A root canal treatment is most probably the last option for saving a tooth that has serious damage or infection. The procedure rarely can fail in certain instances, resulting in ongoing pain or repeated infections. When facing a failed root canal, you should be aware of the options available for restoring your dental health. This comprehensive guide will assist you in navigating this rare situation.
What Causes a Root Canal to Fail?
Root canal treatments can fail for several reasons. Some are given below:
- Incomplete Cleaning: Missed canals of the infected tissue is the primary reason behind this. There can be multiple root canals in a single tooth. When one canal is missed to be disinfected, this problem can arise. However, since digital images taken prior to cleaning can help avoid this situation and hence it has become very rare.
- Cracked Tooth: Undetected cracks in the tooth can harbor bacteria. This is beyond the root canal treatment done by your dentist. Sometimes, cracks can also form after a root canal treatment due to a fall or accident. Such cracks if left undetected can damage the already done root canal treatment.
- New Infection: Bacteria can re-enter the tooth due to a loose or damaged crown. That is why a regular dental visit is recommended where such issues are diagnosed prior
- Delayed Restoration: Waiting too long to place a crown after the root canal procedure is one reason why the root canal can fail. That is why it is recommended to get your dental crowns immediately after your root canal treatment.
- Unattended Gum Infection: A gum infection can spread if left untreated. When bacteria reinfect the area, it compromises tooth support and leads to root canal failure.
Understanding the cause of failure is the first step toward finding the right solution.
Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal
How to understand or have an idea that your root canal has failed? Here are the signs you need to look out for:
– Persistent pain or swelling around the root canal treated tooth.
– Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
– A pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth.
– Discoloration or darkening of the tooth.
If you notice any of these symptoms, visit your dentist immediately.
Your Treatment Options
When a root canal fails here are some of the options to address the same:
1. Root Canal Retreatment
Root Canal Retreatment procedure involves reopening the tooth, extracting the filling material, and re-cleaning the canals. In situations where there were multiple root canals present, and one of many root canals were not treated in the first procedure, this option is recommended by the dentists.
2. Apicoectomy
Along with reroot canal treatment, another surgical procedure called apicoectomy is also carried out. This procedure involves taking out the tip of the tooth root and sealing it to avert additional infection. This is done with or without grafting.
3. Tooth Extraction
In extreme cases where the tooth could not be salvaged and is decayed beyond a point, extracting the tooth may be the only choice. It is not ideal to lose a tooth and suffer from problems associated with missing teeth. Hence after tooth extraction, you can go in for replacement methods like dental implants or dental bridges.
4. Antibiotics and Pain Management
Antibiotics will be prescribed to manage infection temporarily. But it needs to be understood that this is not a long-term solution and it should be succeeded by definitive treatment aimed at clearing the infection once for all.
Preventing Future Failures
To minimize the risk of root canal failure:
- Choose an experienced dentist for the procedure. At Expert Dental Care, we have over 25 years of experience performing not only the usual root canal procedures, but also some specialized procedures like laser root canal procedures where the disinfection rate is very high.
- Follow post-treatment care instructions carefully.
- Get a dental crown placed promptly after the root canal.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any new infections.
Although a failed root canal can be frustrating, it does not mean everything is over. Your smile and oral health can be restored with appropriate treatment and care. If you are in Chennai and if your root canal procedure is not satisfactory, you can seek advice from Expert Dental Care to discuss your choices and return to a pain-free life.
