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Cracked tooth

03/02/2009

Question:

I had a root canal done a year ago and I have been unable to afford a crown on this tooth due to financial problems. Now I have decided to go back to the dentist to get this put on and two days before my appointment, a piece of my tooth broke. Will I still be able to get a crown put on this tooth or will it have to be extracted?

Answer:

If the crack doesn’t extend below the gumline, you will likely be able to get a crown. However, it also depends on which tooth it is, how much force that tooth needs to withstand during chewing, and if it had a previous cavity. The main factor on whether a tooth can get a crown is the amount of healthy tooth structure above the gumline. Good luck!

For more information:

Go to the Crowns, Bridges, Dentures, Implants health topic.