What is the main reason for providing a patient with a temporary crown on a root-filled molar tooth?

Providing a patient with a temporary crown on a root-filled molar tooth primarily serves to maintain occlusion. When a tooth undergoes root canal treatment, it often becomes more susceptible to fracture due to its compromised structural integrity. A temporary crown helps to restore the tooth's function, ensuring that the bite is even and the alignment of the teeth is preserved while waiting for a permanent restoration.

Maintaining occlusion is critical in preventing issues such as tooth shifting, which could result from an unaddressed gap or irregular bite. This preservation of occlusion aids in preventing additional complications that might arise from uneven pressure on the remaining teeth during chewing and other functions.

Although aesthetics, sensitivity prevention, and strengthening the tooth are also important considerations in dental practices, the primary concern when placing a temporary crown after root canal treatment is to ensure that the overall bite and functional relationship of the teeth are maintained.