What are the symptoms of a failed root canal? If you’ve had a root canal but are still experiencing pain, swelling, or sensitivity in the treated tooth, it could be a symptom of a failed root canal.
While root canals have a high success rate—between 86% to 98%—failures can occur in 5% to 10% of cases. Factors such as complex tooth anatomy missed canals, or reinfection can sometimes lead to failure, even months or years after the procedure. Early identification of the symptoms of a failed root canal is critical since untreated infections can spread to surrounding tissues.
In this blog, we’ll explore whether Invisalign can fix baby teeth and what parents need to know before considering treatment.
What Causes A Root Canal To Fail?
1. Incomplete Cleaning of Infection
During a root canal, all infected tissue and bacteria need to be removed. If any part of the infection remains—especially in hard-to-reach areas—symptoms like pain and swelling can reappear, indicating reinfection.
2. Poor Sealing or Filling of the Canals
The success of the root canal procedure depends heavily on how well the root canals are sealed. If the canals are not properly filled, bacteria can re-enter the tooth and cause new infections over time.
3. Cracks or Fractures in the Treated Tooth
Teeth that undergo root canals are often weakened, making them more prone to cracks or fractures. Even a small crack in the tooth can expose it to bacteria and cause infection and symptoms such as throbbing pain and swelling.
4. New Infection Due to Poor Oral Hygiene or Crown Issues
If you don’t maintain good oral hygiene after treatment, or if the final crown or filling becomes loose or damaged, bacteria can seep in and trigger a new infection. This may result in tenderness, swelling, and even abscess formation near the treated tooth.
Some Common Symptoms Of A Failed Root Canal
1. Persistent Pain
One of the most common signs is ongoing pain or discomfort in the treated tooth or surrounding area. The pain may feel dull or sharp and often worsens when biting or applying pressure.
2. Swelling or Tenderness in the Gums
Infection can cause localized swelling near the tooth. The gum tissue near the infected tooth can become tender, red, or puffy, signaling that bacteria have spread beyond the tooth roots.
3. Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
If you experience sensitivity while consuming hot or cold foods and drinks, especially if it wasn’t present before the procedure, can indicate nerve damage or reinfection inside the tooth.
4. Tooth Discoloration
A treated tooth that becomes dark or discolored over time might suggest tissue damage within the root or continued bacterial activity, which compromises the tooth’s structure.
5. Formation of a Pimple on the Gums (Fistula)
The appearance of a pimple on the gums is a clear indicator of infection. The bump is known as a fistula, and it allows pus to drain, which may temporarily relieve discomfort but requires your attention.
6. Loose Tooth
A root-canal-treated tooth should feel stable. If the tooth feels loose or wobbly, it may indicate structural weakness, bone loss, or persistent infection, all of which can affect the long-term success of the treatment.
Can A Failed Root Canal Be Fixed?
If you notice any signs of failure, such as persistent pain or swelling, there are several treatment options available to address the problem. Depending on the severity and extent of the infection, your dentist may recommend one of the following solutions:
1. Retreatment (Repeat Root Canal)
Sometimes, a failed root canal can be resolved with a second root canal procedure. During Retreatment, the dentist removes the old filling material, cleans the canals thoroughly, and reseals the tooth to eliminate any lingering bacteria. This approach can restore the tooth’s health, especially if the initial failure was due to incomplete cleaning or poor sealing.
2. Apicoectomy (Surgical Intervention)
If Retreatment isn’t effective or the infection persists at the tip of the tooth root, an apicoectomy may be necessary. This minor surgery involves removing the infected tissue at the root’s end and sealing it off to prevent further infection. An apicoectomy is performed when the canal is blocked or Retreatment is not possible.
3. Tooth Extraction and Replacement
If the damage is too severe, extraction may be the best option to stop the infection from spreading. After extraction, your dentist can replace the missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or denture to restore your smile and prevent bite issues. While extraction is usually a last resort, it ensures the surrounding teeth and tissues remain healthy.
How To Prevent A Root Canal From Failing?
While Invisalign can be effective for some children, it’s not the only option. Several alternative treatments can help in correcting baby teeth alignment and bite issues:
1. Follow Good Oral Hygiene Practices
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth. Proper oral hygiene minimizes the risk of bacteria entering the treated tooth and causing reinfection.
2. Regular Dental Visits for Checkups and Cleanings
Routine checkups allow the dentist to monitor the health of the root canal treated tooth and catch any issues early. Professional cleanings also keep your gums and surrounding teeth in good shape and reduce the chances of complications.
3. Get a Protective Crown if Needed
Root canal-treated teeth become brittle over time, and a crown is required to provide extra protection, especially for molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
4. Avoid Habits Like Grinding or Chewing on Hard Objects
Teeth grinding (bruxism) or chewing on ice, pencils, or other hard objects can damage both natural and treated teeth. Wearing a nightguard to protect the root canal treated tooth from excessive pressure and potential cracks.
Recognizing The Symptoms Of A Failed Root Canal
Discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity in a previously treated tooth can be a symptom of a failed root canal. The sooner you recognize these symptoms, the better your chances are of saving the tooth and avoiding further complications. If you notice any unusual changes, it’s important to consult a dentist for evaluation and care.
Schedule Your Consultation With Palisades Dental Care, Dumont, NJ
Don’t ignore the signs of a failing root canal as early treatment can save your teeth from extraction. Book your consultation today with Palisades Dental Care Dumont, NJ to get expert advice and care.
- New Patients: Call us at (201) 279-0440
- All Other Callers: Call us at (201) 568-9811
FAQs
What are the symptoms of a failed root canal?
Persistent pain, swelling, or tenderness in the gums are common early signs. Sensitivity to heat or cold may also return if the infection isn’t fully cleared.
Can a failed root canal be fixed without removing the tooth?
Retreatment or an apicoectomy (surgical removal of infected tissue) can save the tooth without extraction.
How long after a root canal can symptoms of failure appear?
Symptoms may appear soon after treatment or even years later if reinfection occurs. Regular dental visits help monitor the treated tooth over time.
What happens if a failed root canal is left untreated?
If untreated, the infection can spread, leading to severe pain, abscesses, or bone loss. In some cases, extraction becomes the only solution.
