Teeth that receive either a filling or a crown after a root canal last about 11 years. Teeth that receive no restorative work after a root canal last about 6.5 years.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, root canals have a success rate of over 95% and in most cases they last a lifetime. There are a few factors that ensure the root canal will last and should be followed.
Sometimes the pulp inside a tooth that had a crown installed will eventually become infected and a root canal will become necessary. This could be any length of time after the crown is installed, 5, 10, 20 years later.
A crown is a lab fabricated cover on a tooth. This cover resembles a tooth and is permanently cemented on. Crowns are custom fit to each tooth and the shape and color can be customized to maximize its esthetics.
Additionally, research has shown that a dental crown following a root canal improves the chance of long-term tooth survival. Unfortunately, the teeth underneath the crown can still get damaged by bacteria, which can cause cavities and tooth decay.
Knight can either remove the crown before drilling into the tooth to create an access hole or drill this access hole through the crown. If this happens, then the crown will need to be replaced as it will be weakened. If the old crown is used, the root canal can become reinfected again.
You will need a new crown after having the root canal because the structural integrity of the crown would have been compromised. The root canal performed can become reinfected again if the old crown is used.
Not following these recommendations increases the risk bacteria will start to build up in your mouth, including underneath and inside a crown. Bacteria go after what's left of a tooth by converting sugars into acid, which eats through the enamel and results in rot and a cavity or infection underneath the crown.
A tooth that needs a root canal has already been weakened by issues that created a need for a root canal, so it needs to be protected from further damage. A crown encloses the restored tooth, improves its appearance, protects it from acids and bacteria in the mouth and protects it from bite forces.
The root canal procedure is completed in two separate visits to ensure that the tooth is thoroughly cleaned out, sealed up, and protected from further damage.
A dentist can repeat a root canal treatment on a tooth two or more times. While teeth that undergo a root canal procedure can last a lifetime, some of these teeth may not heal properly due to salivary contamination and other reasons.
Tooth decay might be caused when plaque is trapped underneath your crown or in the cracks of your teeth. This plaque is easily removed with regular brushing and flossing. If plaque is not removed from these areas, the decay process starts.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.
With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn't heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, you have a second chance.
The short answer is yes, it is possible, but developing a cavity following a root canal is easy to avoid with proper oral hygiene.
It may be that the crown has not bonded properly to your tooth, or has become infected due to improper placement. Either way, you should seek the attention of your dentist if pain persists or gets worse after two weeks.
The gum tissue may still be irritated
If you're experiencing discomfort in the first few days after a new crown is placed, it may simply be a result of normal gum irritation, tenderness, and sensitivity. Try taking over-the-counter pain medications containing ibuprofen as directed to address any pain and discomfort.
Brown and Grey Spots in the Affected Area
Brown and grey spot formations are a distinct visual indicator of a potential infection or tooth decay under a dental crown. Spots can be visible on the white portion of a veneer, almost appearing like mould.
First, though the nerve-filled “pulp” is removed from your tooth, there are still other nerves and sensitive tissues near the canal of your tooth, and these can be irritated and become swollen or inflamed after your endodontic treatment, causing some minor discomfort.
Fixing a Cavity Under a Dental Crown
If a cavity is along the margin of a dental crown and does not go very deep into the tooth, it might be able to be fixed with normal dental filling material. In most other cases, the dental crown probably will need to be removed, the cavity filled, and a new crown placed on top.
During any root canal, body tissues not directly being treated have a chance to become agitated and mildly inflamed. In the case of throbbing pain after a root canal, the culprit is the bone surrounding the tooth. The bone tissue becomes irritated and provokes some discomfort. For most patients, this is very mild.
If you believe that your root canal failed because of your dentist's negligent care, and as a result of this you have suffered pain, further injuries including perhaps the loss of the tooth or severe distress, you may be able to make a claim for compensation for the failed root canal.
Is it normal for my tooth to look black under my crown? It's not supposed to darken. Most of the time, tooth discoloration is caused by bacteria getting in the dental crown. It can also be the result of an inadequate seal on the crown.