Home › Guides › Dental crowns

Treatment guide

Dental Crowns: When You Need One and What to Ask

A crown is a cap that restores a tooth's shape, size and strength. Dentists recommend one to protect a weak or broken tooth, to replace a large filling, to anchor a bridge, to cover a discolored tooth, or to sit on top of an implant. After a root canal, back teeth usually need a crown.

When a crown is needed

  • A large filling with too little tooth left to hold it
  • A weak tooth at risk of breaking, or one that has already broken
  • Attaching a bridge
  • Covering a discolored or badly shaped tooth
  • Covering a dental implant
[1]

Crowns after a root canal

Molars and premolars handle more chewing force, so a crown is important after a root canal on those teeth. Front teeth often don't need one. [2]

What to ask a dentist

  • Why does this tooth need a crown rather than a filling?
  • Which material do they recommend for this tooth, and why?
  • Is the crown made in-house in one visit, or by a lab over two visits?
  • What will insurance cover, and what is your share?

Looking for a dentist? See the top rated dentists in 30 cities, ranked from public reviews.

Find one near you

Questions

Why would I need a dental crown?

To protect a weak or broken tooth, replace a large filling, attach a bridge, cover a discolored tooth or cover an implant, according to the American Dental Association.

Do I need a crown after a root canal?

Usually on back teeth, which take more chewing force. Front teeth often don't, according to the American Association of Endodontists.

Sources

  1. Crowns, MouthHealthy by the American Dental Association
  2. Root Canal Explained, American Association of Endodontists

This guide is general information, not medical advice. It summarizes the sources above, which were last checked on October 22, 2026. Talk to a licensed provider about your own situation.

Top rated dentists by city