Start practicing

Prosthodontics & Occlusion · single question

The BEST long-term predictor of success for an endodontically treated tooth requiring a crown is:

  1. Quality of the root canal obturation alone
  2. Full crown coverage (protects against cuspal fracture — the most common cause of failure)
  3. Absence of periapical lesion on X-ray
  4. Post and core type used
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Full crown coverage (protects against cuspal fracture — the most common cause of failure)

  • A. Obturation quality is important but insufficient alone — many endo-treated teeth fail from fracture, not from endodontic failure.
  • B. Correct. Research consistently shows that FULL CROWN COVERAGE is the single BEST predictor of long-term success for endodontically treated posterior teeth. Without a crown: cuspal fracture rates are dramatically higher (endo-treated teeth are 5x more likely to fracture without crown). The crown distributes occlusal forces and protects the remaining tooth structure.
  • C. Absence of periapical lesion confirms successful healing but doesn't prevent future crown fracture.
  • D. Post type selection matters for retention but is secondary to the need for full crown coverage.

Practice Prosthodontics & Occlusion questions Prosthodontics & Occlusion study notes

More Prosthodontics & Occlusion practice questions