At Upper West Side Dental, your long-term oral health is always our priority. If you’ve recently had a root canal or are considering one, you may be wondering: how long does a root canal last without a crown? This is one of the common questions we hear from our Manhattan patients, especially those looking for a trusted and conservative dental team in the Upper West Side.

Let’s explore the answer and why your next step after a root canal truly matters.

How Long Do Root Canals Typically Last?

With proper care and protection, a root canal-treated tooth can last 10 to 15 years—or even a lifetime. However, the key to this longevity is how well the tooth is restored afterward. In most cases, that means placing a durable crown to shield the tooth from future damage.

Without this protection, the tooth is more vulnerable to breaking down over time.

So, How Long Does a Root Canal Last Without a Crown?

The honest answer: not nearly as long.

Teeth that undergo a root canal are no longer “alive” and tend to become brittle. Without a crown, especially for molars and teeth exposed to heavy biting forces, the tooth may only last a few months to a couple of years before cracking or failing.

Here’s what can affect how long your root-canaled tooth survives without a crown:

Tooth location

Back teeth endure more pressure and are more likely to fracture without a crown.

Tooth structure

If much of the tooth was removed due to decay or trauma, there’s less stability.

Biting habits

Clenching, grinding, or chewing hard foods can accelerate failure.

At Upper West Side Dental, we almost always recommend a custom dental crown following root canal treatment—especially for molars and premolars.

Why Is My Root Canal Tooth Hurting After Years?

Pain after a root canal—especially years later—can be a red flag. Common causes include:

• Micro-cracks in the tooth that went unnoticed due to lack of crown protection.
• Reinfection from a loose filling or bacteria re-entering the canal.
• Missed canals during the original procedure.

If your root canal tooth starts hurting after years, don’t ignore it. Dr. Benjamin Shirley and our experienced team can evaluate the cause and recommend a safe, conservative solution—whether that means re-treatment or restoration.

How to Stop Throbbing Pain After Root Canal Without a Crown

It’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort after a root canal, especially if the tooth remains unprotected. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
• Avoid chewing on the treated side.
• Apply cold compresses to reduce inflammation.
• Rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean.

If the throbbing pain lingers beyond a few days or worsens, give our Upper West Side Manhattan dental team a call. You may need a crown or additional treatment to stabilize the tooth.

Are Root Canals Bad for You?

Absolutely not. Despite outdated myths, root canals are a safe and highly successful treatment to save infected or damaged teeth. At Upper West Side Dental, our focus is always on preserving your natural smile with the least invasive methods possible.

What can go wrong is ignoring proper aftercare, like delaying or avoiding a crown. That’s when issues like fractures, infection, and pain often arise.

The Upper West Side Dental Approach: Precision, Comfort, and Prevention

Our patients in Morningside Heights, Harlem, and throughout the Upper West Side trust us not just for exceptional clinical skill, but also for honest guidance. Whether you’re dealing with a past root canal or need one soon, our family-friendly dentists will walk you through all your options—crown or no crown—with clarity and compassion.

FAQs About Root Canals

Do all root canals need a crown?

Not all—front teeth with less chewing pressure may do well with a filling. But molars almost always need a crown.

Can I wait a few months to get a crown?

A short delay may be okay, but the longer you wait, the greater the risk of tooth fracture.

Is it too late to get a crown years after my root canal?

If the tooth is still intact and hasn’t cracked, we may still be able to place a crown. A full evaluation is needed.

Take the next step with confidence.

If you’ve had a root canal or are considering one, book your appointment at Upper West Side Dental to explore your best restorative dentistry options. Your smile deserves lasting protection—and we’re here to help.

📍 Conveniently located on 992 Columbus Avenue in Manhattan
📞 (917) 261-7555 | Book Online

“I was thrilled to be given an opportunity to expose the students to the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the work field. I met a lot of smart and inquisitive students, I hope I inspired them to pursue their dreams.”

KIPP NYC is a network of free, open-enrollment public charter schools that prepare students for success in college and in life. I was thrilled to be invited to speak to the students attending KIPP NYC College Prep in the Bronx, NY. As a former teacher and the child of a mother who is now a retired teacher, I understand the importance of having mentors guide you through the ups and downs of high school and college.

Having programs such as KIPP College Prep is a great opportunity for students to have full access to the tools necessary for success. I was able to meet with other speakers who were equally as passionate about education and mentoring as I am. I spoke to a small group of students that were eager to hear my story and I was equally excited to tell them how I became a dentist and a teacher. I was asked about my reasons for becoming a dentist, how many years I was in school, if I still enjoy dentistry and how I plan to give back to my community.

I was very impressed by the attentiveness and inquisitiveness of my group. One student asked me if I ever wanted to give up while I was in dental school and I said yes! Dental school was the toughest 4 years of my life but I explained my determination and love of helping others did not stop me from achieving my goals. I remember telling them this “Yes, college can be tough but your college years will be the best years of your life. You might feel you want to give up but you have to remember that something worth having doesn’t come easy. You have to communicate and connect with people.”

It felt great to be given the opportunity to expose the students to the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in the work field. I met a lot of smart and inquisitive students; I hope I inspired them to pursue their dreams. To learn more about KIPP NYC, please visit www.kippnyc.org

Dr. Benjamin Shirley D.D.S.

Dr. Benjamin Shirley D.D.S.

Speciality – General and Family dentistry

Education – Doctorate of Dental Surgery

Work Days – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Dr. Benjamin Shirley is passionate about creating and maintaining healthy smiles, one person at a time. He is a second generation dentist who grew up learning about dentistry from his father who is now a retired dentist.  Dr. Shirley is proud to continue his father’s legacy.

Dr. Shirley was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics as a NASA scholar from Morehouse College and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry School of Dentistry.  Dr. Shirley is passionate about teaching; he became a teacher and UFT member in Los Angeles before practicing dentistry in New York.

After teaching for 2 years, he began his career in dentistry by completing a General Practice Residency program at Peninsula Hospital Center in Far Rockaway, NY.  He was an associate at various dental practices in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan before co-founding Upper West Side Dental in 2011.

He says: “I treat my patients the way I want to be treated; with respect, dignity and first rate care.  It is my priority to make sure my patients are comfortable and well informed.  My extensive education and experience working in a hospital prepared me for very simple and complex dental cases. l pride myself in not over treating my patients, listening to what they want and making recommendations to help them achieve the smile they have always dream of.”

Dr. Shirley is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Additionally, he holds a certification for Clear Aligner Treatment.  Dr. Shirley would like to invite you and your family to be a part of his Upper West Side practice. He is ready to guide you and your family to a lifetime of dental health.   Book your consultation with our Upper West Side Dentist today!

My goal as a dentist is to not only treat and diagnose teeth in a comfortable and welcoming environment, but to also educate and reach out to my community. Giving back feels great but also means a lot to people who need the services. On Sep. 15th, 2014 I was invited to participate in the Bloomingdale Family Days Fair which is held annually by the Columbus Amsterdam BID. (www.)

I was able to set up a booth next to other medical practices in the neighborhood so it was nice to converse with other medical professionals. At my booth I offered free oral cancer screenings. Oral cancer screenings are especially important if you are a smoker. I stepped away from the booth a few times to give some of the children Xylitol lollipops. Xylitol is a natural occurring sugar alcohol, which doesn’t promote tooth decay. The best part is that parents can’t even tell the difference between a lollipop made of sugar and one of Xylitol. I even had parents come up to me and say “Are you SURE these don’t have sugar in them?” Xylitol is what I recommend to parents who tell me their child has a sweet tooth but want to make sure they don’t develop cavities.

It was such a beautiful day to have a street fair; the weather was perfect and the live band was excellent. I really enjoyed educating the community about oral health and the importance of regular dental check ups. Make sure to visit Columbusamserdambid.com for events happening from 96th-100th Street!

Dr. Benjamin Shirley D.D.S.

Dr. Benjamin Shirley D.D.S.

Speciality – General and Family dentistry

Education – Doctorate of Dental Surgery

Work Days – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Dr. Benjamin Shirley is passionate about creating and maintaining healthy smiles, one person at a time. He is a second generation dentist who grew up learning about dentistry from his father who is now a retired dentist.  Dr. Shirley is proud to continue his father’s legacy.

Dr. Shirley was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics as a NASA scholar from Morehouse College and received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Meharry School of Dentistry.  Dr. Shirley is passionate about teaching; he became a teacher and UFT member in Los Angeles before practicing dentistry in New York.

After teaching for 2 years, he began his career in dentistry by completing a General Practice Residency program at Peninsula Hospital Center in Far Rockaway, NY.  He was an associate at various dental practices in Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan before co-founding Upper West Side Dental in 2011.

He says: “I treat my patients the way I want to be treated; with respect, dignity and first rate care.  It is my priority to make sure my patients are comfortable and well informed.  My extensive education and experience working in a hospital prepared me for very simple and complex dental cases. l pride myself in not over treating my patients, listening to what they want and making recommendations to help them achieve the smile they have always dream of.”

Dr. Shirley is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Additionally, he holds a certification for Clear Aligner Treatment.  Dr. Shirley would like to invite you and your family to be a part of his Upper West Side practice. He is ready to guide you and your family to a lifetime of dental health.   Book your consultation with our Upper West Side Dentist today!