I have a crown on my back tooth which is hurting now. i have never had a problem with the crown before and it been in over five years. my last dental exray did not show anything. i have an ear ache as well and now my right jaw is hurting and it is hard

Root canal therapy: It sound like you may need a root canal. When a tooth has had extensive work the pulp (nerve) in the tooth can die over time. This can cause the kind of symptoms you describe. A dentist can test the tooth to determine it's vitality. The root canal can be done through your crown. Depending on the condition of the crown, it may or may not need to be replaced. Your dentist will determine that.

Crowned Tooth: The main reason why crowns are placed over teeth is to protect a tooth that has a fracture, root canal treatment, very large restorations or severe crown damage from decay. Even with crown treatment, severely damaged teeth, can eventually lose the vitality of the pulp and become abscess. Your jaw and ear pain may be associated to a tooth abscess. See a dentist right away to save your tooth!

May be TMJ: It may be a TMJ issue causing your pain. Have the dentist evaluate your bite as well. Are you clenching or grinding more recently perhaps? Is the x-ray current (within a month?) if not, have another one taken to see if there is a change since the first x-ray in the root areas.

A few possibilities: There are several possibilities that would account for your symptoms. It could be as simple as clenching or grinding on your tooth. This can be tested with a simple bite adjustment. The nerve may have died or is in the process of dying. Can be tested & may need root canal therapy. A fractured root is also possible. Earache\jaw pain may indicate TMJ related or coincidental. Sometimes tough to dx.

Pulp problem: On a tooth that has had a comfortable crown for 5 yrs to develop these symptoms, it is almost always a root canal problem. It is common to not see anything on the x- ray and still have a root canal problem.Pain to the ear is a classical symptom for lower molars that have a pulp problem. An endodontist is an expert at diagnosing and treating this problem.