Teeth that have been treated with a root canal are brittle and can fracture easier than a tooth that still has a nerve and vascular system. If you just had a root canal and your tooth cracked, then you may need a dental crown.
However, a dental crown is not always the solution for a chipped tooth or broken tooth after a root canal. Your dentist will have to see an x-ray of your tooth first to give you a definitive answer.
In some instances, a tooth that no longer has a nerve and vascular system cracked could be beyond repair using a traditional dental crown or bridge. If you visit Reflections Dental, you will know all the possible options available for you. The dentists will also inform you of the pros and cons of each option.
Your dentist may suggest a post and crown, an ideal choice if the area does not have a periodontal infection and other complicating factors. However, if there are complications, your dentist may suggest a tooth extraction and placement of an implant for a stronger, lasting solution.
Additional Problems
In some cases, your tooth might have more than one root that has been causing you problems. If your dentist missed one of those canals, bacteria thriving in that tooth would remain, resulting in the need to undergo a repeated root canal.
Having a second root canal in the same area is more complicated. First, your dentist has to remove the fillings. Then, if the tooth has a crown or implant, it must be removed as well, so the treatment will reach the roots of the tooth.
Another complication of a root canal treatment is that your dentist may have missed a crack in the root, leading to a growth of bacteria. This typically results in the need for further treatment. If the small crack in the tooth’s root is missed, it causes re-introduction of bacteria in that area.
The inner seal used during a root canal may erode, allowing bacteria to seep into the root. If your seal is eroding, you can have it treated to slow down the erosion process. But a defective restoration can cause bacteria to go back in the root canals. You can avoid these complications if you undergo root canal therapy at a reputable location, performed by a dentist with extensive experience in this area.
You must also follow all aftercare instructions to promote proper healing. If something is not right or if you think that the root canal was not successful, you should notify your dentist immediately. Your dentist will determine if there are problems in the treated area. If there are, your dentist can prevent them from getting worse.
A tooth that has been treated and restored through a root canal can last a lifetime as long as you follow proper care instructions. Keep in mind that root canals have a high success rate compared with other dental treatments.