Need to redo root canal and crown?!
Question: I had a root canal in 2000 and ever since have had sporadic issues with the crown falling out. This happened again this week (last time was ~18 mths ago) and I went to the Dentist to have it recemented. After looking at it, and calling another dentist in to take a look, he told me that I needed not only a new crown, but that the root canal needed to be redone. What he told me is that the root canal was done incorrectly and that it's "leaking" which is causing the cement around the crown to disintegrate periodically. Note that this is not the dentist who did the work: he sold the practise about 15 mths ago. Also note, that I'm in no pain whatsoever even when pressing on the side of the gum and haven't been since it was done 7 years ago. I have no real experience with this new dentist, other than 2 cleanings/check-ups which were a non-event. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Answers: I had a root canal in 2000 and ever since have had sporadic issues with the crown falling out. This happened again this week (last time was ~18 mths ago) and I went to the Dentist to have it recemented. After looking at it, and calling another dentist in to take a look, he told me that I needed not only a new crown, but that the root canal needed to be redone. What he told me is that the root canal was done incorrectly and that it's "leaking" which is causing the cement around the crown to disintegrate periodically. Note that this is not the dentist who did the work: he sold the practise about 15 mths ago. Also note, that I'm in no pain whatsoever even when pressing on the side of the gum and haven't been since it was done 7 years ago. I have no real experience with this new dentist, other than 2 cleanings/check-ups which were a non-event. Does anyone have any experience with this?
Normally the root canals should be fully sealed off even if the crown comes off. It is incorrect to say that the "leakage" of the RCT is causing the crown to come off. Rather, it's the other way around where a leaking crown allows contamination of the RCT if it hasn't been sealed properly. So I don't see why the RCT needs to be redone.
As for redoing a crown that has repeatedly come off, I would also be wary. Some teeth should never have crowns because there is not enough tooth structure above the gum for a crown to grip onto. So I would ask the dentist how he is going to be able to give you a crown that will stay on better than the last, and will he give you a guarantee?
Perhaps the best you can do with this tooth is a large amalgam filling with supporting pins and posts if necessary. And cross your fingers!
Yes...I have had a root canal done twice on the same tooth. It is no more trouble than the original. And this happens from time to time. Good luck.
They are just basically re-doing what they do with a root canal. But now they have to really clean and remove all the old root canal. It lasts longer than a normal root canal but is the same concept. If they do not do the root canal over you risk losing your tooth permanently. I would have this done as soon as possible.
Yes, this is quite possible. Root canals can be ruined if they are leaking (regardless of what caused them to be leaking), and might end up causing chronic conditions around the root.
It is advisable that you have that root canal re-done.