A root canal is often the preferred treatment to save a severely damaged or infected tooth, but what happens if the treatment doesn’t succeed? A failed root canal can be a frustrating experience, resulting in persistent pain or discomfort. This blog will examine the causes, symptoms, and potential solutions. Sunshine Dentistry in Richmond Hill, Ontario, is here to help you understand why root canals fail and what you can do to improve your oral health.
What is a Failed Root Canal?
A root canal is considered “failed” if it does not effectively remove the infection or discomfort in the affected tooth. This can happen shortly after the procedure or months or years later. They can occur for various reasons, from incomplete root canal cleaning to restoration complications.
Understanding the causes of a failed root canal can help patients seek treatment on time and avoid further complications.
Common Causes
1. Incomplete Cleaning of the Canals
One of the most common causes is incomplete root canal cleaning. The tooth’s roots can be complex, with tiny branches that are sometimes challenging to reach and clean thoroughly. If even a small amount of infected tissue remains, it can lead to recurring problems.
2. Cracked Tooth
A crack in the treated tooth may also result in a failed root canal. Even with the best care, natural wear and tear or biting down on hard foods can result in a fracture. Bacteria can then enter the cracked area and infect the root, leading to the initial root canal treatment failure.
3. Poor Restoration
After a root canal procedure, the tooth is usually restored with a crown or filling to provide protection. If the restoration is inadequate, bacteria may re-enter and cause re-infection, resulting in the failure of the root canal.
4. Missed Canals
Some teeth require more root canals than initially expected. If the dentist misses one of these canals during treatment, it may remain infected, causing the failure of a root canal.
5. Recurrent Decay
Recurrent decay around the crown or a post-root canal filling can also contribute to failure. The decay can spread, compromising the seal and allowing bacteria to enter the treated root canals.
Symptoms
If a root canal fails, you may experience symptoms similar to the ones that prompted you to seek treatment in the first place. Here are some signs to look out for:
- Persistent Pain: Persistent pain or tenderness around the treated tooth could indicate a failed root canal.
- Swelling or Abscess: Another common symptom of root canal failure is gum swelling or the formation of an abscess near the treated tooth.
- Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to temperature (hot or cold) or pressure could indicate the presence of an infection that wasn’t eliminated.
- Discolouration: Discolouration of the treated tooth is another possible sign.
Solutions for a Failed Root Canal
If you suspect that you may have a failed root canal, don’t worry. Several options are available to address the problem and alleviate your pain.
1. Root Canal Retreatment
Retreatment is frequently the first option. During this procedure, the dentist removes the previous filling, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the root canals, and then refills and reseals the tooth.
2. Endodontic Surgery (Apicoectomy)
If retreatment is not feasible or practical, an apicoectomy may be recommended. This entails surgically removing the root’s tip and any infected tissue surrounding it, followed by sealing to prevent further infection.
3. Tooth Extraction and Replacement
If the tooth is beyond saving, extraction may be necessary. Replacing the extracted tooth with a dental implant or bridge can restore function and appearance.
How to Prevent a Failed Root Canal
Good oral hygiene is the first step toward avoiding the failure of a root canal. Regular dental check-ups, proper brushing and flossing, and avoiding biting on hard objects can all help protect the restored tooth and extend the life of your treatment.
Sunshine Dentistry’s skilled dental team is here to provide high-quality care and achieve the best possible results from your root canal treatment.
FAQs
1. Can a failed root canal be treated successfully?
It is possible to treat it with retreatment or surgical procedures such as an apicoectomy.
2. How soon after a root canal can it fail?
It may fail shortly after treatment or years later, depending on the cause, such as new decay or a missed canal.
3. Is the procedure painful?
When a root canal fails, the patient may experience pain in the affected tooth due to any remaining infection or inflammation.
Prompt treatment can often fix a failed root canal and restore your oral health to normal. If you suspect a problem with a previous root canal, do not hesitate to contact Sunshine Dentistry in Richmond Hill, Ontario. We’re here to give you the care and expertise to regain a healthy smile.
