Should a tooth crack after a root canal?

Answer 1

Roots do not grow back once a dentist drills into the tooth and removes the pulp (the roots and tissue inside the tooth). After that, it is dead and it cannot grow back. Make sure that the dentist (after he fits the crown but before it is permanently sealed) does an X-ray of the tooth to make sure the crown that was ordered properly fits the tooth. Sometimes to the human eye it appears so, but an X-ray can reveal the tiniest opening, which can lead to a re-infection and necessity of the tooth to be pulled.

Answer 2

Yes, generally when you remove the nerve root you then have a dead tooth. the dentist must fill the canal and either cap it or discuss other options with you, as it will turn gray because it has no nerve.

Answer 3

No. A properly completed root canal should look exactly like a normal tooth from the outside (except where the drilling was filled), but should not crack. As to sensation, the nerve has been removed and you should no longer have feeling in the tooth if everything was completed as it should be.

If you are experiencing pain or anything unusual in the tooth (like cracking, yikes!) I would definitely go back to your dentist. Or perhaps a different one if yours flubbed your root canal.

I've had one root canal and years later I had the procedure corrected because the very tip of the root hadn't been removed. No cracking from either.