Failed Root Canal Treatment
What Is Failed Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure that is used to treat a damaged or infected tooth by removing the infected necrotic pulp tissue from inside the tooth and filling it with a biocompatible root canal filling material, usually gutta percha. While this treatment is generally successful, there are cases where it can fail, leading to further dental problems.
Failed root canal therapy occurs when the treated tooth continues to experience dental pain, dental infection, a tooth abscess, or other complications even after the initial procedure has been completed. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as inadequate cleaning or filling of the root canal system, the presence of a hidden canal, or a new infection that has developed in the tooth.
If left untreated, a failed root canal can lead to serious dental problems, such as the need for tooth extraction or the spread of infection to other teeth or even the bloodstream. Therefore, it is essential to seek dental care if you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort after an endodontic procedure. Before you contact a Toronto dentist to examine Failed Root Canal Treatment, there are some things you should know as a patient:
- Why Do I Have Failed Root Canal Treatment?
- Signs And Symptoms Of Failed Root Canal Treatment
- Treatment Options For Failed Root Canal Treatment
- How To Prevent Failed Root Canal Treatment
- Managing Failed Root Canal Treatment Until You Can See The Dentist
If you have questions about Failed Root Canal Treatment or other dental problems, please contact us for more information.
Why Do I Have Failed Root Canal Treatment?
While root canal therapy can be very successful, it is also one of the most complex and challenging procedures in dentistry. The canals or channels inside the tooth that the dentist needs to clean can be extremely small and difficult to reach, making it challenging to remove all of the infected or inflamed tissue. There are several reasons why endodontic treatment may not be successful. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Incomplete removal of the infected tissue: If the infected pulp tissue is not completely removed from the tooth during the root canal procedure, it can lead to the recurrence of the infection and failure of the treatment.
- Undetected additional canals: Some teeth have extra canals that may be difficult to detect during the root canal procedure. If these canals are not properly cleaned and filled, it can lead to a failed treatment.
- Complicated root canal anatomy: Teeth with complex root canal anatomy, such as curved or calcified canals, may be more difficult to treat, increasing the risk of a failed root canal.
- Delayed dental crown placement: Immediately after a root canal, a temporary filling material is placed over the access opening. The dentist will allow 2-3 weeks to ensure tooth pain symptoms go away before replacing the temporary filling with a permanent tooth filling and dental crown. If there is a delay in replacing the temporary filling, the root canal system gets reinfected leading to a failed root canal.
- New dental infection: Even after a successful root canal, a new infection can develop if bacteria enter the tooth through a crack or a new cavity.
It is important to understand that root canal treatment is not always successful. A visit to a trained dentist will be able to determine the cause of discomfort in your root canal treated tooth and offer treatment options. If you have further questions about Failed Root Canal Treatment, please contact us.
Signs And Symptoms Of Failed Root Canal Treatment
If you have previously undergone root canal treatment, it’s important to watch for signs and symptoms that may indicate a failed procedure. Here are some of the most common symptoms of a unsuccessful root canal therapy:
- Tooth pain: Pain is a common symptom of a failed root canal. You may experience pain when you bite down or when you apply pressure to the tooth.
- Abscess formation on gum: Swelling around the tooth or in the gums can indicate a failed root canal.
- Tooth sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or sensitivity that lasts longer than a few seconds, can be a sign of a failed root canal.
- Discoloration: If the tooth that has undergone root canal therapy becomes discolored, it may indicate a failed procedure.
- Pus drainage: If you notice pus or a liquid discharge coming from around the tooth, it can be a sign of infection and a failed root canal.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your dentist or endodontist for a thorough examination. If you have further questions about the diagnosis of Failed Endodontic Treatment, please contact us.
Treatment Options For Failed Root Canal Treatment
If you have a failed root canal treatment, there are several treatment options available to save your tooth. Here are some of the most common treatments:
- Root canal retreatment: If the initial root canal treatment was unsuccessful, your dentist may recommend a retreatment. During this procedure, the filling material is removed, and the canal is cleaned and refilled to treat the underlying dental infection.
- Apicoectomy: In some cases, an apicoectomy may be recommended to treat a failed root canal. This surgical procedure involves removing the tip of the tooth’s root and the surrounding infected tissue.
- Tooth extraction: If the tooth is severely damaged and cannot be saved through retreatment or apicoectomy, it may need to be extracted. Your dentist can discuss options for tooth replacement, such as a dental implant, dental bridge or denture.
It’s important to remember that every case of failed root canal treatment is unique, and the appropriate treatment will depend on the specific circumstances of your case. Your dentist or endodontist can help determine the best course of action to save your tooth and ensure optimal oral health. If you have further questions about the treatment option for Failed Root Canal Treatment, please contact us.
How To Prevent Failed Root Canal Treatment
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent the need for a root canal treatment, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of a failed procedure. Here are some tips for preventing root canal therapy failure:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brushing twice a day and flossing daily can help prevent cavities that can lead to the need for a root canal.
- Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups can help detect early signs of dental problems, such as cavities or cracks in teeth, that can lead to root canal treatment.
- Get a dental crown: A dental crown can help protect a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment, reducing the risk of damage or infection.
- Address dental problems promptly: If you are experiencing tooth pain or tooth sensitivity, or notice any changes in your teeth or gums, see your dentist as soon as possible to prevent the problem from worsening.
- Choosing a qualified dentist: Make sure to choose an experienced dentist with a proven track record of successful dental fillings. Review their Google reviews to ensure patients are happy with their service.
By following these tips, you can help prevent the need for endodontic treatment and reduce your risk of a failed procedure. However, if you do require root canal treatment, it’s important to work closely with your dentist or endodontist to ensure the best possible outcome. If you have further questions about how to prevent Failed Root Canal Treatment, please contact us.
Managing Failed Root Canal Treatment Until You Can See The Dentist
If you are experiencing symptoms of a failed root canal therapy, it’s important to see your dentist or endodontist as soon as possible. However, if you are unable to get an appointment right away, there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and reduce your discomfort. Here are some tips for managing failed endodontic treatment until you can see the dentist:
- Use over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve tooth pain or sensitivity from a failed root canal treatment. You are also welcome to use over the counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Ask your dentist what dosage is right for you, but if you do not have a pre-existing medical condition of allergies, 1000mg acetaminophen (Tylenol) with 600mg ibuprofen (Advil) every 4-6 hours or as needed is a very powerful combination.
- Practice good oral hygiene: Keeping the area around the failed root canal treated tooth as possible can help prevent further damage and alleviate some of the tooth pain. Brush and floss gently around the tooth.
- Rinse with saltwater: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish the solution around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out. Alternatively, you can buy and use any mouthwash available at your pharmacy or health foods store
- Use a cold compress: Applying a cold compress to your cheek can help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods: Chewing on hard or crunchy foods can worsen your symptoms and cause further damage to your tooth.
- Elevate your head: Sleeping with your head elevated can help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
It’s important to remember that these tips are not a substitute for professional dental care. If you are experiencing symptoms of failed root canal treatment, it’s important to see your dentist or endodontist as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have further questions about managing a Failed Root Canal Treatment before you see a dentist, please contact us.
