Check us out on YouTube as we talk teeth #watchyourmouthSpanish
Check us out on YouTube as we talk teeth #watchyourmouthSpanish

What Happens When a Root Canal Doesn’t Work?

Doctor consulting a female patient about dental diseases and root canals.

Modern dentistry includes dozens of well-known treatments, but one of them has the worst reputation: root canal therapy. This effective procedure can save damaged or infected teeth and prevent the need for extraction, but no one looks forward to having one.

While root canals have a very high success rate, there are rare instances in which it doesn’t work to resolve the issue. Understanding what causes root canal failures and what to do about them can help you keep your health on track.

What Causes Root Canals to Fail?

During a root canal, a dentist removes infected or damaged pulp from inside a tooth, cleans the root canals, and seals the area to prevent infection. A problem during any of these steps can happen lead to root canal failure.

Incomplete Cleaning

The root structures of teeth are complex. They have tiny canals that even the most experienced dentist can miss. If any bacteria remain in a canal, the infection can persist.

Undetected Cracks or Fractures

If the protective crown or the natural tooth is cracked or damaged, bacteria can reenter the treated area. This bacterial invasion leads to reinfection.

Failed Sealants

Once the dentist removes the infected material, they clean and seal the canal to protect it. If the sealant fails, bacteria can seep into the canal and cause another infection.

Complex Anatomy

Some roots are more complex than others. Infected tooth material can be missed if the canals are narrow or branch in multiple directions. Furthermore, unusual tooth anatomy makes removing the infection more difficult.

Saliva Contamination

Your saliva carries bacteria and can spread these bacteria throughout your mouth. If germs get inside the tooth, they can cause a second infection.

Delayed Treatment

As with many medical procedures, the timing of root canals is crucial. If treatment or the follow-up restoration is delayed, bacteria are more likely to reenter the tooth and cause another infection.

Signs a Root Canal Has Failed

If a root canal doesn’t work as expected, you may notice symptoms like those you had before treatment. Common signs of a failed root canal include:

  • Gum tenderness
  • Pain in the tooth
  • Tooth sensitivity when biting down
  • Discoloration of the tooth
  • A pimple or boil on the jaw
  • A pus-filled abscess near the treated tooth
  • Swelling near the tooth
  • Facial or neck swelling

Call your dentist or endodontist if you notice any of these signs. The sooner they can intervene, the better the chance of a good outcome.

Managing a Failed Root Canal

It may be possible to repair a failed root canal. Your dentist will examine the tooth and suggest one or more treatment options.

Root Canal Re-Treatment

The most common way to fix a failed root canal is retreatment. During this procedure, the dentist removes the existing filling and infection. The canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and reshaped. Then, they are sealed again to prevent reinfection.

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy may be recommended if your dentist cannot treat the tooth again or if the re-treatment is unsuccessful. This minor surgical procedure involves the dentist accessing the root tip through the gum tissue.

The dentist will then remove the infected root tip and surrounding tissue, sealing the end of the root to prevent another infection. This method is used when the root canal is too complicated or cannot be repeated.

Tooth Extraction

Sometimes, the tooth cannot be saved with re-treatment or surgery. Extraction, which is typically the last resort, might be the only option. Fortunately, you have several tooth replacement options:

  • Dental implants
  • A bridge
  • Partial dentures

It is important to replace the tooth promptly to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.

Preventing Root Canal Failure

Some failed root canals are unavoidable. However, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk.

After your root canal, follow any guidance provided by your dentist. If you were given any prescriptions for pain, fill them immediately and take them as directed. Avoid chewing hard foods on the treated tooth until it is fully restored.

After the root canal, you must continue to protect your tooth. Typically, a crown will be placed to prevent the treated tooth from becoming damaged or reinfected. Schedule this appointment as soon as possible to ensure the tooth is fully sealed and protected.

If you don’t already have one, establish a good oral hygiene routine. Brush and flossing daily is the most effective way to avoid inflammation and infection. Consider using an antibacterial mouthwash to help reduce germs.

Schedule regular dental checkups to monitor the health of the treated tooth. These checkups allow your dental team to detect potential issues early and provide interventions that could save the tooth.

Finding the Best Solution for Your Dental Health

If you think you have an issue with a root canal, contact Dr. Brett Langston and his accomplished team. We’ll make a difference in preserving your smile. Contact our office today!

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