Why did my tooth crack after a root canal?

Some patients of Michael Z. Hopkins ask him why their tooth cracked after a root canal. If it happens to you, you may be suffering from a cracked tooth syndrome. Often, the fracture in the tooth is too small to spot. Even in dental x-rays, it is easy to miss a small crack.It is important to note that a root canal tooth is prone to cracking or chipping because it is weaker than a natural tooth. The reason for this is because the treatment involves removal of pulp, causing the tooth to die as the blood supply is severed. By removing the pulp, your root canal tooth becomes brittle and weak, making it prone to breaking or chipping.

What Causes It To Crack?

Because the root canal tooth is weak and brittle, you must avoid chewing on hard objects in that area including ice, nuts, or hard candy. Avoid putting stress on that tooth. You must also avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures.

How To Tell If Your Root Canal Tooth Is Cracked

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether a tooth is cracked because you may not be experiencing pain in that area. For that reason, it is vital that you see your dentist regularly so he or she can identify any signs of cracking or breaking.If your tooth has a visible crack, you must visit your dentist's office as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your tooth.

At Michael Z. Hopkins' office, he will perform a thorough examination of the broken tooth. He will carefully look for cracks or any irregularities around the gum line. He will also take dental x-rays if it is necessary. To inspect it better, he may use a fiber-optic light and a special dye.

Treatment of a root canal tooth that breaks or chips is straightforward. However, it may also require redoing the treatment. In most cases, restoration of the tooth will be done through a dental crown, protecting the tooth from further damage.

If the crack is severe, Dr. Michael Z. Hopkins may recommend tooth extraction. Advancement in dentistry allows you to avoid wearing dentures and opt for a dental implant, which is vital to prevent bone or gum loss.The cost of treating your broken, root canal tooth will depend on how complicated your case is. Most of the time, however, it costs less than the initial endodontic treatment. Some dental insurance may cover the cost of this re-treatment.

Cracking is common in a root canal treatment. So, make sure to take care of your tooth and visit your dentist regularly.

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