Decay Underneath a Crown

A predicament we frequently see is decay underneath a crown. When this occurs it may be possible to remove the crown, remove the decay and restore the tooth with a new crown. Alternatively, the decay can be extensive and the tooth may not be restorable. The below xray shows a tooth with extensive decay underneath a crown. The tooth also had a previous root canal and build up years ago and unfortunately could no longer be restored.

Extensive decay under a crown of the lower right first molar

The tooth was atraumatically extracted and the socket was debrided and disinfected. There was no need for any bone graft or membrane. After four months of healing a new xray was taken showing complete bone regeneration.

Four months after extraction of a lower right first molar

The faint outline of where the tooth used to be can be seen on the above image. The implant surgery was performed under local anesthesia with minimal surgical access which helps reduce pain, swelling and risk for infection.

Immediate post operative image of dental implant replacing the lower right first molar

This dental implant will be allowed to heal for 10 weeks before having the final crown made.