Getting a root canal over existing dental work

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Dental crowns are commonly used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay, trauma, or previous dental treatment. A crown may be placed after a root canal, to repair a cracked tooth, or when a cavity is too large for a traditional filling.

But what happens if a tooth with a crown starts hurting again?

In some cases, a root canal may be needed even when a crown is already in place.

Why a Crowned Tooth Might Start Hurting

If a crowned tooth becomes painful, there are several possible explanations.

Bacteria Under the Crown

If the crown did not seal properly, bacteria may enter beneath the crown and cause new decay or infection.

Damage to the Crown

A fall, sports injury, or car accident can crack or loosen a crown, allowing bacteria to reach the underlying tooth.

Infection Inside the Tooth

Even with a crown in place, the nerve tissue inside the tooth can become inflamed or infected, requiring root canal treatment.

Can a Root Canal Be Performed Through a Crown?

Yes. In many cases, a root canal can be completed without removing the existing crown.

Dr. Chauvin will carefully evaluate the tooth and determine the best approach.

What Your Dentist Will Evaluate

Before proceeding, Dr. Chauvin will consider several important factors, including:

  • Is the crown seated properly?
  • Is the crown intact?
  • What is causing the pain?
  • Can the crown be preserved?

These factors help determine whether the crown can remain in place or needs to be replaced.

When the Existing Crown Can Be Saved

If the crown is securely attached and in good condition, Dr. Chauvin may be able to perform the root canal through a small opening in the crown.

After the treatment is completed, the opening is sealed with a durable filling material.

This approach allows you to keep your existing crown and avoid the cost of a replacement.

When the Crown Needs to Be Removed

If the crown is damaged, loose, or improperly sealed, it may need to be removed.

After the root canal, a new crown may be placed if there is enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support it.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?

Dental crowns are durable, but they are not indestructible.

With proper care, crowns can last many years. However, the natural tooth underneath the crown can still develop cavities or other problems.

How to Protect a Crowned Tooth

To help your crown last as long as possible:

The margin where the crown meets the tooth is especially vulnerable to wear and decay.

Do Not Ignore Pain in a Crowned Tooth

If a crowned tooth begins to hurt, it is important to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Bacteria trapped beneath a damaged crown cannot be removed by brushing, flossing, or mouthwash. Without treatment, the infection can worsen and lead to more extensive dental work.

Dr. Chauvin can determine whether the issue can be resolved with a filling, root canal, or crown replacement.

Schedule an Appointment With Dr. Chauvin

If you are experiencing pain in a tooth with a crown, contact Dr. Chauvin today. Early treatment can help preserve your tooth and prevent more serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals and Crowns

1. Can you get a root canal through an existing crown?

Yes. If the crown is in good condition, a root canal can often be performed through the crown.

2. Will my crown need to be replaced after a root canal?

Not always. If the crown is intact and properly fitted, it may be preserved.

3. Why does my crowned tooth hurt?

Pain may be caused by decay under the crown, a crack, a loose crown, or an infection inside the tooth.

4. How long do dental crowns last?

With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, crowns can last many years.

5. Can a cavity form under a crown?

Yes. Because a natural tooth remains beneath the crown, decay can still develop.

6. Should I see a dentist if my crowned tooth stops hurting?

Yes. Even if the pain goes away, the underlying problem may still be present and require treatment.

How Does a Root Canal Work?

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Root canals have a bad reputation that’s decades out of date. When root canal treatment first became common, it really was uncomfortable, but the procedure has changed dramatically since then.

The reputation, unfortunately, hasn’t caught up. A survey by the American Association of Endodontists found that patients who’ve actually had a root canal are six times more likely to describe it as painless than those who haven’t had one. More than 15 million teeth are saved every year with root canal treatment.

From our team at Dr. Chauvin’s dental office in Lafayette, Louisiana, here’s what you actually need to know.

Start With the Anatomy of Your Tooth

Understanding why a root canal is sometimes necessary starts with understanding what’s inside your tooth. Beneath the hard white enamel and a second hard layer called dentin is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue, and it plays an important role in helping your tooth’s root grow during development. In a fully developed tooth, however, the tooth can actually survive without the pulp — because it continues to be nourished by the surrounding tissue. That’s what makes a root canal possible.

Why Would You Need a Root Canal?

Once the pulp becomes infected, it needs to be removed in order to save the tooth. There are several ways this can happen. The most common is an untreated cavity that allows bacteria to work their way deep into the tooth. A crack or chip in the tooth can open the same door. Failing restorations — like an old filling or a worn crown — can also allow bacteria to leak into the pulp over time.

Once infected, the pulp begins to die, and the body’s inflammatory response kicks in. The combination of infection and inflammation is what causes the significant pain most people associate with a root canal. The root canal treatment itself isn’t the source of the pain — it’s the solution to it.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

Not sure if what you’re experiencing warrants a call to the dentist? Here are some common indicators:

  • Hot or cold food or drinks cause a toothache or lingering sensitivity
  • Chewing is painful or difficult
  • Your tooth is sore to the touch
  • You have a severe or throbbing toothache
  • There’s a bump on your gum, possibly filled with pus
  • Pain that radiates from one part of your mouth to another, or into your head or ear

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth getting checked out sooner rather than later.

What Does the Root Canal Procedure Actually Involve?

Root canal therapy is a detailed procedure that requires both skill and experience, and it often takes more than one visit to complete. Here’s what the process typically looks like:

  1. X-ray and anesthesia: The first step is taking an X-ray to assess the shape of the root canals and check for any signs of infection in the surrounding bone. Local anesthesia is then used to numb the area — so while root canals have a scary reputation, you should be comfortable throughout the procedure.
  2. Cleaning and shaping the canal: A small opening is made through the enamel and dentin to access the pulp. Using flexible nickel titanium files, Dr. Chauvin carefully shapes the inside of the canal, thoroughly removing all traces of infection and debris while minimizing any impact on the surrounding ligaments and bone.
  3. Disinfecting and sealing: Once the canal is clean, it’s disinfected and sealed using a material called gutta-percha — a natural, biocompatible, antibacterial material that is heated and used to fill and seal the hollowed space within about 15 minutes. If the procedure spans more than one appointment, a temporary filling is placed to keep contaminants out between visits.
  4. Final restoration: Because a tooth that needs a root canal has often already experienced significant decay or damage, a crown or other restoration is typically placed once the root canal is complete. This protects the tooth, prevents it from breaking, and restores it to full function.

Ready to Stop Living With Tooth Pain?

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or think you might need a root canal, don’t put it off. The earlier a tooth is treated, the better the outcome. Give Dr. Chauvin’s Lafayette, Louisiana dental office a call today. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable every step of the way.

root canal dr chauvin lafayette la

All about root canals

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Root canals. You’ve heard the name, you’ve cringed for the poor souls going to the dentist for one, but do you know what a root canal procedure is? Or the reasons you might need one?

The inside of your tooth is filled with a soft material called “pulp” that help your teeth grow into maturity. When that pulp becomes infected or inflamed, it must be removed to relieve pain caused by swelling and minimize permanent damage to your teeth.

There are a few reasons you might need a root canal:

  • Internal tooth decay
  • Multiple dental procedures on the tooth
  • Cracked or chipped tooth

A few signs point to the need for a root canal:

  • Pain
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Sensitivity to touch
  • Discoloration
  • Swelling, drainage, tenderness in the lymph nodes and gum tissue

The root canal procedure follows these steps:

  1. X-rays taken and anesthetic administered
  2. Crown of the tooth (top of the tooth) opened and pulp removed from the inside of the tooth to make room for filling
  3. Space filled with a rubber-like material and an adhesive cement
  4. Crown placed on top of the tooth to restore it to full function

Root canals are often the subject of dental horror stories, but understanding the steps and going to a trusted and experienced dental provider can help put your mind at ease and relieve your pain. If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, consult our team to see how we can help.