A fun challenge - do you see a crack in this tooth?

[the_engineer]

Howdy, professional dentists.
I am curious whether you can see a crack in the tooth shown on the two attached pictures.
The X-rays belong to a 48 year old female. The tooth in question (marked with a red arrow on the photos) had a root canal some years ago and has a crown over it.

The patient had some pain which has resurfaced over time. In the last incident, the pain was more pronounced and required more medication and a visit resulting in these x-rays which are less than a week old.

We are trying to resolve a dilemma of a crack in the tooth. I think I can see it, but some would disagree. What do you think?

 

[Dr M]

To me it appears like the tooth has an inadequate root canal performed on it. One of the canals is not filled like it should be and there is also a chance that there might even be a completely missed canal which was not filled at all.
I would recommend re-doing the root canal treatment.
I don't agree that a crack can be seen on this x-ray.

 

[the_engineer]

Interesting observations, Dr M. Thanks for the insight. The tooth is being very bothersome for the patient. A decision to extract is at the top of the list, following an immediate graft to address proximity of the maxillary sinus floor.

 

[the_engineer]

To me it appears like the tooth has an inadequate root canal performed on it. One of the canals is not filled like it should be and there is also a chance that there might even be a completely missed canal which was not filled at all.
I would recommend re-doing the root canal treatment.
I don't agree that a crack can be seen on this x-ray.

Hello Dr M. If you are interested in the outcome. The discussed tooth #3 was extracted today with an immediate graft placement. The extraction has revealed that there, in fact, was no crack in the root as you suggested.

Great analysis on your part!