Many people think a tooth with the nerve removed is finished and can no longer decay. In fact the body of the tooth can still decay and needs careful protection.
- A root canal treated tooth no longer feels pain, but the body of the tooth can still decay.
- A leaking filling or crown margin, weak remaining tooth and poor cleaning are common causes.
- Restoring the tooth fully, brushing carefully and regular check ups help it last longer.
- A swollen gum, a pimple like bump, pain on biting or a loose filling are signs to return for a check.
After root canal treatment, many people assume the tooth has no nerve and so cannot decay any more. This is only half true. The nerve has been cleaned out, so the tooth no longer feels pain, but the body of the tooth is still hard tissue that bacteria can destroy.
Why can a root canal treated tooth decay again?
- The edge of the filling or crown is leaking, letting bacteria and saliva seep underneath.
- The remaining tooth is thin and weak after large decay or after the nerve was removed.
- Cleaning is poor and plaque builds up at the margin of the tooth.
- A temporary filling has been left too long without a final restoration.
Why is it hard to notice?
A root canal treated tooth does not hurt when decay returns, so the decay can progress silently until the tooth breaks or infection forms at the root tip. That is why regular checks, sometimes with an X-ray, matter. See also whether you need a crown after root canal treatment.
How do you protect a root canal treated tooth?
- Restore the body of the tooth fully with a well sealed filling or a protective crown as the dentist advises.
- Brush twice a day and clean between the teeth and along the margins.
- Avoid biting very hard things, because a root canal treated tooth cracks more easily.
- Have regular check ups so the dentist can check the filling margins and take an X-ray when needed.
Signs to come back for a check
Come in if you notice a swollen gum, a pimple like bump, pain on biting, a loose filling or crown, or an unusual taste or smell. Pain in a root canal treated tooth can be a sign of inflammation or renewed infection, see whether pain after root canal treatment is normal and how long it lasts.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will check your treated tooth and advise how best to protect it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a root canal treated tooth still get decay?
Yes. The nerve is gone so there is no pain, but the body of the tooth can still be destroyed by bacteria, especially when a filling margin leaks or cleaning is poor.
Why should a root canal treated tooth be protected with a crown?
It often has little tooth structure left and cracks easily. The dentist will weigh a filling against a protective crown depending on the tooth.
How often should a root canal treated tooth be checked?
Have it checked at your regular dental visits, with an X-ray when the dentist feels it is needed.