If you’ve had a crown placed on a tooth and are now experiencing pain or infection, you might wonder: can a root canal be done through a crown? The good news is, yes—many skilled Boston dentists, including those at SmileStudio, are experienced in performing root canals without removing the existing crown.
While crowns protect weakened teeth, they don’t make them immune to problems. Infections can still develop beneath the crown due to decay, trauma, or a failed previous root canal. In these cases, a new root canal may be necessary, even when the crown appears intact.
Read More: Types of Root Canals Boston Patients Commonly Need
I. Can a Root Canal Be Done Through an Existing Crown?
Yes, in most cases, a root canal can be done through a crown without removing it. Your dentist will evaluate:
- The condition of the crown (is it cracked or loose?)
- The location of the infection
- The fit and seal of the crown
If the crown is in good shape, a dentist can carefully drill a small hole through it to access the root canal system. This method avoids the cost and effort of crown replacement.
Read More: If a Root Canal May Require More Than One Appointment, Here’s Why
Benefits of Keeping the Crown
Choosing to perform a root canal through the crown comes with several advantages:
- Saves time by skipping the crown removal process
- Reduces cost because you won’t need a new crown
- Minimally invasive, preserving your current dental work
Read More: How Long Does a Root Canal Take: Factors Influencing Treatment Time
II. How the Procedure Works
Here’s how Boston dentists like those at SmileStudio typically perform the procedure:
- X-ray and evaluation – The tooth is examined to locate the infection and assess crown condition.
- Accessing the canal – A tiny hole is made in the crown to reach the tooth’s pulp chamber.
- Cleaning and sealing – Infected tissue is removed, and the canals are disinfected and sealed.
- Crown restoration – The access hole is sealed with a filling material to restore function.
This process is safe and effective when done by experienced professionals with advanced tools and imaging technology.
Read More: Incisor Root Canal: Ensuring a Healthy Smile
III. When Crown Removal Is Necessary
There are times when a dentist may recommend removing the crown before the root canal, such as:
- The crown is cracked or leaking.
- There’s extensive decay beneath the crown.
- The crown is poorly fitted or worn out.
In these situations, removing and replacing the crown ensures the success of the root canal and long-term tooth health.
IV. Risks and Recovery
While root canals through crowns are routine, there are some risks:
- Crown damage during drilling
- Difficulty cleaning the canals completely if access is limited
- Reinfections if the crown’s seal is compromised
Choosing a skilled dentist reduces these risks significantly. At SmileStudio, our dentists are trained to preserve crowns while effectively treating the root canal issue.
After the procedure, you may experience mild soreness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help. Continue brushing and flossing daily, and avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth for a short time. Regular dental check-ups are key to long-term success.
Read More: Surgical Root Canal: A Solution for Complex Dental Infections
Transform Your Smile Today with SmileStudio!
At SmileStudio, we believe everyone deserves a smile they’re proud of. From routine care to advanced treatments, our experienced team is here to help you every step of the way.
Why Choose SmileStudio?
✅ Expert Team – Whether you need a crown dentist, an implant dentist, or a veneer dentist, our skilled professionals deliver top-tier care.
✅ Flexible Payment Options – Quality care should fit your budget. We offer affordable plans.
✅ Emergency Dentist Services – We’re here when urgent care can’t wait.
✅ Walk-In Accepted Dental Office – Life’s unpredictable—we welcome walk-ins!
✅ Dentist That Accepts MassHealth – We proudly serve patients with MassHealth coverage.
📞 Call: +1 (617) 265-5606
📧 Email: smilestudioboston@gmail.com
🌐 Visit: smilestudioboston.com
📍 Find Us: 1428 Dorchester Ave, Dorchester, MA 02122
SmileStudio – Where Beautiful Smiles Begin. Book your appointment today!
