Do you suspect that your root canal procedure has failed? It might be a scary prospect, going through surgery and having a persistent worry that you might lose your tooth. So, it’s important to be aware of
Root Canals: Why and How They Can Fail
A root canal is a necessity if a tooth has experienced significant damage or infection. The process involves a dental surgeon removing infected pulp inside a tooth and cleaning the area to eliminate bacteria. Then, they fill the tooth with a biologically inert filling and finish the procedure. Since the pulp is full of sensitive nerves and blood vessels, removing it leads to an end to any sensitivity, pain, or danger of infection.
The procedure’s success depends on getting all of the bacteria out of the root canal and sealing it off to prevent any from getting in afterward. However, a root canal can sometimes fail for a variety of reasons, some of which are as follows:
- Incomplete cleaning can cause infection or decay to spread and damage the tooth even after the procedure. During a root canal, the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, and any trace of infection is eliminated. But if any cleaning is neglected and a small amount remains, the tooth will continue to sustain damage.
- Injury or trauma to the tooth after the root canal can cause damage that may allow oral bacteria to enter the tooth again and cause infection anew.
- Cracks in the tooth can occur if the tooth is particularly fragile and can happen at random. This can cause severe pain.
- Poor oral hygiene after the procedure can allow bacteria to multiply and invade the space in the root canal, causing re-infection.
Recognizing the Signs of a Failed Root Canal
This list should give you an idea about the kind of symptoms to look out for if you suspect your root canal has failed. Recovery from a root canal generally occurs in about two weeks, so take note of any symptoms that persist beyond this.
- Swelling in the area is a sure sign that something is wrong. While the initial swelling associated with the procedure should subside within a few weeks, you might have inflammation due to a complication if it persists or reappears.
- Pain is another sure indication that you might have root canal failure or another complication such as an abscess or infection.
- Sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods or under certain conditions, might mean trouble. Since a root canal means all the nerves in a tooth are removed, you should not feel any sensitivity whatsoever.
- Discharge of any kind, but particularly pus, can mean the reappearance of infection.
What To Do Next: Contact A Qualified Dentist Immediately
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you must contact a dentist as soon as possible. A failed root canal is a serious problem that must be corrected by a qualified professional immediately. Luckily, retreatment is possible to fix any problems that may have occurred since the last surgery.
Vintage Oral Surgery prides itself on providing excellent surgical care with a compassionate approach. We understand that oral surgery can be intimidating, so we use our vast experience and advanced 3D imaging techniques, ensuring every patient is comfortable and confident with the success of their surgery. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or have any questions, give us a call at (281) 800-8852.
We look forward to helping you.