Can You Get a Root Canal With a Crown?

If you already have a crown on your tooth and your tooth starts to hurt, this could indicate that you have a tooth infection. But how does a root canal and crown work? Is it ever possible to get a root canal through your existing crown without removing it and replacing it with a new one?

The short answer is “yes.” It’s sometimes possible to get a root canal through a crown and keep your dental restoration. This will save you some time and money at Lakeshore Dental Specialists by avoiding the need for a new crown. 

But in some cases, you may need to get a new crown instead. In this blog, we’ll get into the details and discuss everything you need to know about getting a root canal with a crown.

Why Would I Need To Get A Root Canal After A Crown?

First, let’s start with the reasons why you may need to get a root canal after you get a dental crown. Root canals are only necessary if your tooth is infected. While this is more rare after you get a dental crown, it can still happen. Here are the most common situations where you may need to get a root canal through a dental crown:

Tooth decay and infection after crown placement

Crowns are very strong and durable, and they do not decay like natural teeth. However, they are placed on top of some natural underlying tooth structure. This structure can still become compromised, leading to tooth decay or even an infection.

If you have gum disease, for example, your gums may pull away from your teeth. This could expose your natural tooth structure below the crown to bacteria, leading to decay and infection over time if you do not maintain proper oral hygiene. If this happens, endodontic treatment with a root canal may be necessary as part of your dental treatment plan.

Oral injuries or dental trauma

Just like natural teeth, crowns can break due to oral trauma from a slip and fall, a sports injury, or even biting into a hard piece of food. If this happens, the underlying tooth structure may become exposed to oral bacteria or may even break along with the crown. If you don’t have your damaged crown replaced right away, this may lead to a tooth infection that requires a root canal and a new dental crown.

Root canal retreatment

When you get a root canal with a crown, there’s always a very small chance that a dentist may not fully remove the infected pulp and tooth material. This can happen due to improper operating procedures, unusual root anatomy that may not be noticed before treatment, and several other factors.

In most cases, this issue is caught before you get a permanent crown, since you may notice continued pain and discomfort in the days and weeks after the initial root canal. But if your permanent crown is placed and there’s still infected pulp in the tooth, it may be necessary to perform root canal retreatment through the crown to remove it.

Root Canals Can Sometimes Be Done Through An Existing Crown

So, can a dentist perform a root canal through a dental crown? The answer is “yes, but not always.” Some dentists are willing to keep your permanent dental crown in place, drill through it to access the underlying tooth and pulp chamber, and then perform a root canal to remove any infected material.

This is very similar to the process of getting a root canal on a natural, uncrowned tooth! But instead of drilling through natural enamel, your dentist will drill through the crown. Then, they will clean up your tooth, seal it, and restore your crown with a special type of dental filling material.

However, not every situation qualifies. If your crown is in good shape and there is no major decay underneath it, it may be possible to drill through it to perform the root canal procedure, and this process is typically quite successful.

If Your Crown Isn’t In Good Shape, You’ll Need A New One

You cannot get a root canal through your dental crown if the crown or the underlying tooth structure is damaged, decayed, or otherwise in bad shape. Your dentist will need to remove the crown to clean up your tooth completely. Your old crown will no longer fit once this is done, so you’ll need a new one.

Some dentists also may not offer root canals through dental crowns at all, even if your tooth and crown are in good shape. This is because porcelain crowns are more brittle than natural teeth. It is more prone to cracking during the drilling process. 

If this happens, the crown will need to be removed and replaced with a new one after your root canal. Because of this risk, some dentists prefer to simply remove the old crown, perform the root canal, and create a new one.

Financing And Cost Considerations For Crowns & Root Canals

The biggest benefit of getting a root canal through a dental crown is that you won’t need to pay for both a root canal and a new crown once your procedure is finished. The cost of a root canal alone in Michigan is usually between $900 and $1200, and this does not include the cost of a permanent ceramic crown. 

Porcelain crowns usually cost an extra $1000 to $2500, so keeping your old crown will definitely save you some money if it’s possible to do so. However, the final decision is up to your dentist at Lakeshore Dental Specialists. 

If it’s not possible or advisable to drill through your crown for a root canal, our team will let you know, and we will give you a comprehensive, transparent estimate for the cost of your root canal at our office in Eastpointe, MI. We also offer ways to keep your treatment costs under control,  such as:

• Dental insurance – Dental insurance plans typically cover the costs of root canals and dental crowns up to applicable policy limits. We are happy to help you file a claim with your provider and maximize your benefits.
• Periodontal Maintenance Plan – At our office, we offer an in-house Periodontal Maintenance Plan that includes four periodontal cleanings, four exams, and one additional oral health screening for a low yearly fee, as well as exclusive discounts on other recommended treatments like fillings, root canals, and crowns. This cannot be used with insurance, and you can learn more on this page.
• Financing with Sunbit – We offer monthly payment plans through Sunbit. This makes it easier to get the dental care you need in Eastpointe, MI right away and pay for your care over time. Ask our team about your financing options to learn more, apply, and see if you qualify for a financing plan. 

Get Help With Painful Teeth At Lakeshore Dental Specialists!

If you already have a crowned tooth and you’re interested in getting a root canal through your crown in Eastpointe, MI, Dr. Whitney Weiner and our team of dentists can help. In some cases, we may be able to perform a root canal by drilling through the crown, eliminating the need to craft a new crown for your tooth. To learn more and get started, just give us a call at 586-777-0260 or contact us online to book your first visit at Lakeshore Dental Specialists.