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Is it necessary to redo a root canal?

11/12/2010

Question:

I had a root canal and crown done on my tooth over 15 years ago. Recently I noticed that the crown was loose. When I went to my dentist, he easily removed the loose crown and the post came out with it. The tooth had seriously decayed under the crown.

My dentist and periodontist have determined that the tooth can be saved and re-crowned if I have a crown lengthening procedure done. Is it possible that bacteria from the tooth decay have leaked into the root? Should the root canal be redone before the tooth is re-crowned?

Answer:

If decay allowed bacteria and their byproducts to contaminate the previous root canal treatment, it may need to be redone. The health professionals currently treating you or an evaluation by an endodontist is the best way to determine future treatment.

For more information:

Go to the Root Canals health topic.