Can an old (over 20 years old) root canal be infected even though nothing shows up in an X-ray?

Question

I have 3 root canals on the bottom left side. They are all at least 20 years old. For the past 5 or 6 years I have problems. A few months ago the old crowns were taken off. Underneath there was a lot of decay. The last back two teeth were black. My dentist drilled them down & put posts in them to support them. He then put new crowns on them. The crowns are fine & my bite is fine but I still feel pressure & the middle tooth is sensitive. Could I have an infection & what should I do?

Jepssy Beltre, DDS · Answer

Hi, is important the radiography to evaluate all area, by the information you said probably you have a fracture or another root untreated.

David M. Schertzer, DDS · Answer

It is entirely possible that the deep decay that was existing under the old crowns could cause renewed infection in the tooth.  Also, if there is not enough tooth left due to the decay, the tooth could fracture/split.  I would return to your dentist and discuss this with him.

Can an old (over 20 years old) root canal be infected even though nothing shows up in an X-ray?

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