[dhamoo]

I'm 33 yrs male. I've a bad toothless smile due to deep bite. I've no functional problems but my upper teeth are not revealed while smiling which makes me look toothless like a geriatric. My dentist has ruled out orthodontics without jaw surgery. But he has suggested crowning 8 of my upper front teeth (including incisors and canines). But he insists on root canaling them since most of the tooth structure would be removed in order to bring about the cosmetic effect.
I had a second opinion & this dentist says that root canaling perfectly healthy teeth is a bad idea since root canaled teeth will eventually have to be extracted after 10-15 years. He says that I can have crowns without root canal. The first dentist says that properly done root canals can last a lifetime and in case of any problems later on, root canals can always be redone. He has promised 60-70% of the cosmetic effect that I expect. Now what I'd like to know is:
1. Will crowning bring about the desired cosmetic effect?
2. Will root canaled teeth have to be eventually extracted?
3. Will root canals be redone through the crowns or by removing the crowns and putting them back?
4. After crowns, will I lose any functionality?

[Dr Kalpesh Bohara]

Hi

I will try to answer most of your questions , but of course you have to be aware that it is impossible to answer accurately withould a clinical and radiographic examination.

1.impossible to answer without looking at the mouth. Of course I would advice a diagnostic wax up on models to see what the end result would look like.
2.I feel to have all teeth root canal treated on healthy teeth is quite an undertaking. I personally would find out from a a good orthodontist weather the teeth can be moved into an ideal postion rather then undergoing root canal on teeth which do not require it for health reasons.
3. these are normally done before crowns.
4. cant answer without carrying out out a detailed examination.