Endocrown: an alternative approach for restoring endodontically treated teeth

Abstract

The ideal treatment for restoration of Endodontically-treated teeth (ETT) has been widely discussed in the literature. The main aim of a restoration is to provide a hermetic seal between the oral environment and the root canal system as it has been widely agreed that the coronal seal significantly contributes to the clinical success of an Endodontically-treated tooth in addition and in fact more than the apical seal for prevention of bacterial ingress. In achieving this objective, it is important that the restoration conserves as much possible the tooth structure and contributes to the resistance of the tooth in the long run. With the development and improvement of the adhesive system, Endocrowns have been used as an alternative to the conventional post-core crowns as means for a minimally invasive preparation design, yet at the same time able to provide good aesthetics, better mechanical performance, lower cost and clinic time for the rehabilitation of an endodontically treated tooth.