My dentist says I need a root canal on a tooth that has had a crown on it for over 30 years. I have no problems with the tooth. My dentist attempted a root canal on the tooth and said that due to calcification, he needed to stop the procedure and referred me to an endodontist. He put a temporary filling in the tooth. I haven’t seen the endodontist yet, but my tooth broke last week. Is it worth trying a root canal, or should I get the tooth replaced with a dental implant? – Thanks. Shane from KY
Shane,
We are sorry to hear about your experience and difficulties with root canal treatment. After drilling through a tooth for root canal treatment, a temporary filling cannot strengthen the tooth. Although your dentist did not perform root canal treatment, he should take responsibility for your broken tooth.
What Is the Treatment for Decay Beneath a Crown?
A dentist must perform root canal treatment to remove decay beneath a dental crown. Removing the crown aids visibility. These steps are often successful:
- Remove the crown
- Remove the decayed tooth pulp and disinfect the tooth
- Find the canal
- Crown the tooth
Save or Extract a Tooth?
Whether a dentist should shave or extract a tooth depends on its condition. The tooth may not support a dental crown when little tooth structure is left. If you don’t have a forceful bite when chewing a dentist may decide to insert a dental post in the tooth, fill it in with composite, and attach a crown. However, a tooth-post procedure requires advanced training and experience.
Schedule a Second Opinion
We recommend scheduling an appointment with a dentist with post-graduate training in root canal treatment and tooth restoration. The dentist will determine whether they can save your tooth or if you need a dental implant.
Sugar Land, Texas, dentist Dr. Siny Thomas of Cornerstone Dentistry sponsors this post. Read about Dr. Thomas’s commitment to giving his patients the best dental care he can.