Expert: Frederick R. Liewehr DDS, MS, FICD - 5/16/2007

Question
I am going to get a root cannel done on a crowned tooth.
My doctor said that he will try to take the crown off, if not possible he will drill through it.  However if the crown does come off he will do a filling and put the crown back on.  I want to know how safe is it to use the same crown, or if I’m to get a new crown should I get it right away or some time later on.  

Answer
Depends upon whether the crown and/or tooth are damaged in the process of removing the crown. I prefer to remove the crown as it makes my job easier and I am less likely to make a mistake, but in most cases I drill through and later repair the crown, to avoid damaging the tooth and/or crown at their interface. I would rely upon your dentist's judgement.