Why is my 20 year old root canal with a crown hurting on and off?

Question

Can I just leave it alone? Pain is now very minor. It is twenty years old and has a crown. My general dentist wants to extract the tooth. I then went to an Endodontist who didn't even bother to open my mouth to look at my tooth. Instead he looked at his 3D x-rays and told me that I have a "cracked root that's causing infection in the bone. The infection is eroding the bone causing some bone loss." He said to extract it. My tooth has not bothered me as it has before; maybe it's because the nerves are dead. But why is the pain on and off?

Ara Nazarian, DDS, DICOI · Answer

If your dental provider has found that you have a vertical fracture, then most likely the tooth needs to be extracted and the site grafted for future dental implant placement.

Yocasta Caba, DDS · Answer

Hello... if the tooth is cracked the opcion is extracte it and get an implant in the area. Good luck!

Neal Nealis, DDS (retired) · Answer

Hi Fairfax, Unfortunately your dentist and endodontist are spot on right. Those 3D xrays are so very accurate. Teeth become increasingly brittle after receiving a root canal as did yours. Some eventually crack. Waiting to remove the tooth and place an implant would be quite dangerous because you will lose the bone that is necessary to place an implant. This will make the inevitable even more complicated and expensive. Best advice is to accept the reality of the situation, curse a few times (or days) and then begin the proper care.

Why is my 20 year old root canal with a crown hurting on and off?

Answers (3)