A previously unrestored tooth has just had root canal treatment through a conservative access. How should it be restored?

Correct answer: A. Core build-up and a full-coverage crown, without a post

• A. Correct. With the coronal walls intact, there is ample structure to retain a core. A post would only remove sound dentine and raise the risk of root fracture, while cuspal coverage protects a tooth that has lost its proprioceptive feedback and much of its moisture.
• B. A post is indicated only when insufficient coronal tooth structure remains to retain the core. It adds no strength to the root — it is purely a retentive device.
• C. An inlay does not provide cuspal coverage, so it leaves an endodontically treated posterior tooth vulnerable to fracture.
• D. Glass ionomer alone is far too weak to withstand occlusal load on a root-treated tooth in the long term.

Note: Anterior teeth with conservative access and intact walls can often be restored with composite alone — the crown-for-everything rule applies mainly to posterior teeth.