Restoration of endodontically treated teeth. A conservative approach

Available long-term follow-up on the restoration of pulpless teeth is minimal when compared with traditional techniques such as cast crowns and amalgam restorations. It is important to note that no single technique is ideally suited to restore all pulpless teeth. The restorative technique selected should be designed so that functional forces do not put undue strain on the cusps, roots, or incisal edge of the tooth. In addition, pin-composite or pin-amalgam restorations and no crown may be used as the final restoration, even if not ideally suited as the treatment of choice in the following circumstances: Questionable endodontic or prosthodontic prognosis; Economic factors; Medically compromised patients; Teeth not receptive to dowels. Thus, with careful attention to diagnosis and treatment planning, various modalities of treatment may be utilized to conservatively restore the pulpless tooth.