The short answer is yes, it is possible, but developing a cavity following a root canal is easy to avoid with proper oral hygiene.
If the treated tooth has new holes or cavities and decay starts to occur, it can infect the filling material used in a root canal. This leads to a new infection. So, the answer to the question, “Can root canals decay,” is yes. The best option for treating pain, infection, and decay after a root canal is retreatment.
Ceramic crowns and cavities
When the crown is attached to the tooth, there is a small border around the restoration known as the margin. The area of the tooth that is still there, both above and below the gum line, is still vulnerable to cavities. Cavities can also occur underneath the crown.
However, what patients may not know is that tooth decay under a dental crown is still possible. Like natural teeth, not maintaining proper oral hygiene and allowing bacteria and plaque to accumulate is why tooth decay under a dental crown is an issue.
According to this report, 98 percent of root canals last one year, 92 percent last five years, and 86 percent last ten years or longer. Molars treated by endodontists had a 10 year survival rate, significantly higher than that of molars treated by general dentists.
Tenderness or pain in the tooth when applying pressure, even after recovering from treatment. Swelling after recovery or pimple-like structures developing and leaking pus in the area. Temperature sensitivity, such as a quick, sharp pain after taking a sip of hot coffee or cold soda.
The location of the cavity under a crown will dictate the treatment for the tooth. If the cavity is on the outside near the cheeks, it may be able to be patched and not remake the entire crown at this point. If it is in between then the crown and adjacent tooth, the crown should definitely be replaced.
Once a tooth has a root canal it is brittle because the blood supply to the tooth has been filled in. It's still possible to bite down and crack the root or an existing crack under the crown may grow down the root. This may cause pain when biting down on the crown in certain ways. Sometimes the pain will come and go.
Teeth that receive a root canal and then a filling and crown last about 20 years. Teeth that receive either a filling or a crown after a root canal last about 11 years. Teeth that receive no restorative work after a root canal last about 6.5 years.
A cavity under a crown can be difficult to treat, and may require a root canal. Your dentist will likely recommend removing the infected tissue from your tooth if the cavity has become infected. After a root canal, you will need to have another crown placed on your tooth.
The area where the crown attaches to the tooth - known as the margin - is usually near the gum line. When plaque builds up on the gum line and isn't removed, it can erode the protective layer of your tooth, causing it to weaken. This can also lead to the development of a cavity.
You might have decay beneath a dental crown if your dentist left roughness at the margin or if there is a tiny gap. Roughness or a gap attracts plaque and leaves the area at risk for decay. When placing a crown, a dentist must ensure that the area where your crown and tooth meet is smooth and gap free.
With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn't heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment.
How Many Times Can You Get A Root Canal Procedure On The Same Tooth? A dentist can repeat a root canal treatment on a tooth two or more times. While teeth that undergo a root canal procedure can last a lifetime, some of these teeth may not heal properly due to salivary contamination and other reasons.
Around 9 out of 10 root-treated teeth survive for 8 to 10 years. Having a crown fitted to the tooth after root canal treatment is important for improving tooth survival rates. If you keep your teeth clean, your treated tooth should survive for a long time.
Possible Symptoms of a Reinfected Root Canal or Other Issues
Increased sensitivity to temperature, lingering pain after eating either hot or cold food. Constant pressure or pain. Pain when tapping teeth together, Swollen gums.
After your dentist removes the pulp from inside your tooth, the empty space is filled with a rubber-like material. If too much filling material is used, however, it will cause the tooth to sit higher, and this will cause pain any time you bite down.
Usually there is metal underneath the porcelain or the crown is made entirely of metal. This metal makes it impossible for the tooth structure inside of the crown to be seen on a radiograph (x ray). When decay under a crown is small, it is often difficult to detect.
The average lifespan for a well-maintained dental crown is typically around 15 years. However, when taken care of properly, it is common to see them last upwards of 25-30 years.
Keeping a dental crown clean
Patients with a dental crown as part of an implant should use a soft-bristled toothbrush no less than twice a day. As for the type of toothpaste, it is important to select a non-abrasive formula. The individual needs to brush around and under the dental crown as much as possible.
Sometimes, you can get a delayed root canal infection on a tooth that's pain-free for some time. A tooth that's been treated with a root canal may not heal fully, and could become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment.
Because root canal failure can sometimes be hard to see with the naked eye, radiographs can help endodontists diagnose and treat a failed root canal. With radiographs, your endodontist will see your treatment progress and if there are any issues inside your tooth structure or surrounding the root.
If a root canal tooth hurts years after failure, it is often due to root canal failure or a cracked tooth.