Almost always, yes, you will require a crown after undergoing root canal treatment. While root canal therapy is often the only method to save a tooth from extraction, the procedure can leave the tooth structure more brittle and susceptible to fracture. A fracture can lead to the failure of the tooth, necessitating its removal.
To prevent this outcome, a ceramic crown is placed over the treated tooth. The crown acts as a protective cover, holding the tooth together and providing significantly more strength than the natural tooth structure alone. If a crown is not placed on these teeth, biting on something at an incorrect angle could cause the tooth to break below the gumline. In such a scenario, the only remaining option would be extraction.
There are some exceptions. For instance, if a front tooth has sustained trauma and requires root canal treatment, a crown may not always be necessary. However, in cases where a root canal is needed due to a crack or a large cavity in the tooth, it is highly recommended that a crown be placed to ensure the long-term success of the treatment and the preservation of the tooth.