Are full cast crowns mandatory after endodontic treatment in posterior teeth?

The success of endodontic treatment is not only measured by the alleviation of pain and formation of healthy bone, replacing the diseased periapical tissue. Concepts for restoring pulpless teeth have been formed more from clinical observation than valid scientific investigation. Endodontically treated posterior teeth present numerous problems because of coronal destruction from dental caries, fractures, and previous restorations or endodontic techniques. The result is loss of tooth structure and a reduction in the capacity of the tooth to resist a myriad of intraoral forces. A summary of this review article suggests that coronal coverage significantly improves the clinical success rate of endodontically treated posterior teeth.