When a tooth is infected or decayed, a root canal may be required to remove the affected nerve and pulp. Root canals are frequently performed when an infected tooth exhibits signs that necessitate prompt treatment, such as acute discomfort.

One of the most popular endodontic procedures is root canal therapy. If the treatment is done correctly, you will not have to worry about your tooth becoming infected again. While it rarely happens, sometimes a failed root canal is possible.

What Is a Root Canal That Hasn’t Worked?

When the original procedure fails to remove all of the infection, or the tooth becomes infected again, the root canal has failed. A botched root canal can take weeks, months, or even years to show up. If you’ve had root canal treatment before, you may recognize the signs of infection, including tooth discoloration, pimples on the gums, or swelling.

The infection may spread to other teeth if you do not get treatment. Saving your tooth gets more difficult, but it is still possible if you see an endodontist right away.

When a Root Canal Fails, What Happens Next?

A root canal failure may go undetected at first. Some patients exhibit no signs or symptoms of a failed root canal, while others’ symptoms may differ from those seen prior to the first root canal. Infection of the pulp cannot heal on its own, regardless of the symptoms; it requires intervention and therapy.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal Procedure?

The following are symptoms of a root canal failure:

  • When biting down, there is a lot of sensitivity.
  • A pimple or boil on the gums.
  • Tooth discoloration.
  • Tenderness in the gum tissue near the site of the root canal.
  • Pain in the tooth you just had treated.
  • Abscesses filled with pus near the treated tooth.
  • Swelling of the face or neck.
  • Swelling of the gums around the afflicted tooth.

Remember that a little soreness after a root canal is typical; you may experience discomfort for several days. You should be concerned if the discomfort persists for a long time, affecting your everyday life and making you unwilling to engage in routine tasks like eating and chewing.

A dental X-ray may be ordered by your endodontist to confirm root canal failure. Without therapy, a failed root canal will not improve. It’s critical to acquire a diagnosis for your condition so you can get the treatment you need.

What Is the Root Canal Failure Rate?

Only a small percentage of root canals are unsuccessful. The operation has an 86 percent to 98 percent success rate, which implies only 2-14 percent of the time it fails. We’ve discovered that the vast majority of our patients have no problems with their root canals. The low failure rate attests to the treatment method’s overall efficacy.

What Causes Root Canals to Fail?

Root canals can fail owing to a dentist’s error, a structural anomaly, or an unforeseen development. A dentist, for example, could miss one of your canals or delay the implantation of a dental crown. Traumatic dental injuries, a blockage, or salivary contamination are all possible causes of a botched root canal.

  • Dental trauma: A fracture or crack in the impacted tooth might cause an infection in the root.
  • Root canal structure: Some patients’ roots are more complicated, with curved or narrow canals. There’s a chance you’ll have more canals than the dentist predicted. You may get an infection if your dentist misses one of these canals or does not clean it properly.
  • Obstruction: Something may have obstructed the dentist’s attempt to clean the damaged canal. Another tooth, filling material, or incorrectly applied sealants are examples of obstructions.
  • Salivary contamination: Bacteria can grow in your saliva and spread throughout your mouth. A second infection could emerge if saliva and germs contaminate the inside of your tooth.
  • Dental crown placement: Your dentist may have postponed placing a dental crown after your root canal treatment, giving an infection time to develop. If the crown is loose or cracked, the tooth may become infected again.
Is it Possible to Repair a Failed Root Canal?

Yes, a root canal that has failed can be repaired. Retreatment, extraction along with a Dental Implant, and apicoectomy are all choices available to your endodontist. Retreatment, the most common treatment option for failed root canals, offers the best success rate. Your endodontist will treat the infection before filling and sealing the tooth to protect its integrity.

If you think you have a failed Root Canal, we are here to help. Contact the team at York Hill Endodontics today.

 

Article originally appeared at: https://shoreendodontics.com/

Author: Shore Endodontics