Australian Dental Council (ADC) Practice Test 2026 - Free ADC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Endodontically treated teeth are considered weak primarily due to the loss of coronal tissues. When a tooth undergoes endodontic treatment, which involves the removal of the pulp tissue, a significant amount of the tooth’s structure, particularly the coronal portion, may also be removed or damaged during the procedure. The coronal tissues contribute to the overall strength and integrity of the tooth, and once these tissues are compromised, the tooth is more susceptible to fracture under occlusal forces.

While the loss of blood supply and the potential for infection are important factors in the treatment process, they do not directly contribute to the mechanical weakness of the tooth itself. The presence of metal posts may actually help reinforce the tooth after endodontic treatment, but they cannot fully substitute for the lost coronal structure. The critical aspect that affects the strength of endodontically treated teeth is the reduction of the healthy tooth structure surrounding the pulp chamber, leading to decreased resistance to forces exerted during normal function.