TL;DR
- A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat severely infected or damaged teeth that are beyond restoration.
- Most often, root canals are successful, but there could be instances that may cause failure.
- Incomplete cleaning, missed canals, re-infection, or cracks in teeth are some possible reasons for root canal failure.
- Look for symptoms of a failed root canal, such as severe throbbing pain, discomfort, sensitivity to hot or cold foods, tooth discoloration, or pus discharge.
- Seek help from a dentist who can recommend treatment options such as re-root canal, apicoectomy, antibiotic therapy, or extraction.
- Good oral hygiene, prompt tooth restorations like crowns, regular dental visits, and protecting teeth from trauma can significantly lower your risk of root canal failures.
Failed Root Canal: An Overview
A root canal is a treatment aimed at saving a tooth in which the pulp (the inner part of the tooth) has become infected or damaged. Dentists remove the infected pulp, clean the area, and seal it to stop pain and protect the tooth. This helps your natural tooth stay strong for biting and chewing. Most root canals work well and last a long time.
Sometimes, a root canal treatment may not be entirely successful (around 2% to 14% of cases), and it is good to know the signs. In this article, we will discuss general failed root canal symptoms, what causes root canal failure, available treatment options, and how to prevent it.
Common Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal
A root canal can fail even months or years after the procedure. So, it is vital to recognize the signs. The following points outline the most common symptoms, including the symptoms of a failed root canal years later, to help you know when to seek dental care:
- Persistent Pain or Tenderness: You might feel continued pain or tenderness in the tooth or gums, even years after the procedure. This can be a dull ache, or it can also be a sharp pain when one bites or chews.
- Swelling or Inflammation: Swelling or inflammation around the tooth that has received a root canal may indicate infection, even years after the procedure. It may appear red, tender, or even swollen in the gum tissue.
- Sensitivity to Hot or Cold: If your tooth is still sensitive to hot or cold temperatures, it could be a sign of root canal failure. Such sensitivity may not cease even with medication.
- Darkening or Discolouration: A tooth that has undergone a root canal may, with time, darken or discolor if the procedure was not successful. This indicates that the tooth is dying or infected.
- Signs of Recurrent or New Infection: Observe the signs of infection, such as an abscess or pus, which may appear even years after the procedure. You may be able to feel a pimple or a bump inside your gums, or there may be a sudden increase in pain or swelling.
- Unpleasant Taste or Odor: A failed root canal can cause a bad taste or smell from the tooth. This is often a sign that the area needs further evaluation.
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. Experts at Dental on First can save your tooth and prevent further complications through early detection and prompt treatment.
Why Does a Root Canal Fail?
Although root canal treatment is generally successful, failures can occur in certain situations. Some common causes of root canal failure include:
- Incomplete Cleaning: The dentist can fail to remove the infected tissue completely, which results in persistent infection. This happens in cases of narrow or curved root canals, which are difficult to clean perfectly.
- Missed Canals: These are additional canals in the teeth, which are difficult to locate. When these are missed, the remaining bacteria may cause continued infection.
- Re-infection: If the filling or crown is damaged, bacteria can re-enter the tooth, causing a new infection. This may be due to faulty restoration or trauma to the tooth.
- Cracks in Teeth: A crack within the tooth allows bacteria to gain entry with resultant infection. This can occur from trauma, grinding, or biting on hard objects.
- New Decay: Poor oral hygiene or inadequate dental care may result in new decay that could compromise the root canal treatment.
What are the Treatment Options for a Failed Root Canal?
If you’re demonstrating the symptoms of a failed root canal, do not worry; there are several treatment options. Appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the failure and the state of the tooth.
Dental on First specialists may recommend any of the following treatment options:
Re-Root Canal Treatment
- The dentist will reopen the tooth and remove the infected tissue.
- The canals will be cleaned and disinfected to remove bacteria.
- The tooth is then refilled and sealed to prevent further infection.
Apicoectomy
- A surgical procedure to remove the infected tip of the root.
- The area should be cleaned and disinfected to prevent further infection.
- The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Extraction
- If the tooth is badly destroyed, extraction may be advisable.
- The tooth is to be removed, followed by cleaning and disinfection of the area.
- You can talk to your dentist about options for replacement, like implants or bridges.
Antibiotic Treatment
- If the infection is caught early, antibiotics may be prescribed to clear up the infection.
- A dentist may also recommend a follow-up to check on the tooth.
Crowns or Fillings
- This would include a crown or a filling if the tooth was damaged, but the root canal went through successfully to protect that tooth.
- This can help prevent further damage or decay.
How to Prevent Root Canal Failure
Root canal failure prevention is an important aspect in the maintenance of good oral health. Some of the simple steps towards minimizing the failure of root canal treatment are as follows:
Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
- Brush teeth twice daily using fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to clear away food particles and plaque buildup.
- You can use a mild antiseptic mouthwash to keep your mouth clean and free from bacteria.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
- Regularly visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings, preferably every three to six months.
- The dentist can monitor your oral health and identify root canal failure or other problems early on, before they become serious.
Avoid Delaying Restorations
- Have a crown or a filling placed on the tooth as soon as possible following a root canal.
- This will protect the tooth from further damage or decay, since it remains sealed.
Protect Teeth From Trauma
- Wear a mouth guard when participating in sports or other activities that may cause injury to the teeth (like football or volleyball).
- Avoid gnawing or chewing on anything hard, such as ice or hard candy.
Final Thoughts
Symptoms of a failed root canal can be painful and frustrating, but prompt attention is crucial. Common signs include pain, swelling, sensitivity, and discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, seek help immediately.
Our dentists at Dental on First are highly experienced in identifying root canal failures and providing effective solutions. After examining your tooth and reviewing an X-ray, we recommend the most suitable treatment option. This approach helps ensure high-quality care and relief from most symptoms.
Contact us at 952-758-3003 to schedule an appointment with our dentist in New Prague to help guide you towards optimal oral health. You can also visit us at 136 Main St, West New Prague, MN, or write to us at office@dentalonfirst.com for further queries.
FAQs
How do you know if the root canal has failed?
These may be symptoms of a failed root canal: pain, swelling, or sensitivity in the tooth, or a bad taste or smell. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your dentist immediately.
What leads to a failed root canal after treatment?
The failure of a root canal could be due to remaining bacteria within the tooth, or it might be due to an improper filling. It may be caused due to cracked teeth or delayed crown placement, which allows bacteria to re-enter the canal, thereby infecting it. Good oral care is, therefore, essential.
Can a failed root canal cause swelling or an abscess?
Yes, a failed root canal may cause swelling or an abscess. Infection from bacteria causes swelling, pain, and pus. Immediately visit your dentist if these symptoms appear.
How is a failed root canal treated?
A failed root canal is usually treated with a re-root canal or extraction. The dentist removes the infected tissue, cleans the tooth, and refills it. In cases where that isn’t possible, extraction may be the only course of action to prevent further infection and problems.
Is a tooth with a failed root canal worth saving?
It depends on the condition of the tooth and the extent of infection. Many failed root canals can be saved, usually with a re-root canal or other treatment, if they are noticed early enough. Saving the tooth, when possible, is better for natural oral function.
