Can I Get an 'Onlay' Instead of a 'Crown' After a Root Canal on Tooth 13 - Premolar? (photo)

An onlay would be more conservative if there was a smaller amount of decay with less tooth structure missing. I think the best bet here is a post, bonded core build up and a crown.

You could do an onlay but I wouldn't recommend it.  You've lost a lot of tooth structure, weakening the tooth.  Also, after a root canal, a tooth will become brittle over time which will lead to fractures if not properly restored.  I would recommend a post and build up and a crown.  As for your last two questions, they coincide.  The "post room" is the "black nerve" you are seeing.  It is not nerve but space left by the endodontist for the dentist to place a post into your root for added stability.

Based on the radiograph and the amount of missing tooth structure I suggest a full coverage crown with a core build up good luck

 

 

Kevin Coughlin DMD, MBA, MAGD    CEO Baystate Dental PC

based on the x-ray I would prefer a crown. There is not much tooth structure left and the margin between 13 and 14 is very deep under the gum. You need better tooth structure and a margin that is not soo deep to get a predictable long term onlay.

Depending on how many walls and how think they are, you may or may not need a post as well.

good luck

Dr. T

You might be able to do an onlay, but it may not be as predicable as a crown.  There is a lot of lost tooth structure.  The decay extends below the gumline on the back of the tooth and that is not compatible with a good margin.  The best would be to shave some off the top or the tooth and just let it erupt up a couple of millimeters or even use a little orthodontics.  Looking at the x-ray the margin is at the level of the bone.  It needs to be at least 2mm from the bone or it will be chronically irritated and cause gum disease or a food pocket.