A root canal treatment can do wonders for teeth with infected pulp. However, no process is perfect, and it can fail on some occasions. If it does fail, you might experience lingering pain, and the infection might actually return. Though it can be scary and frustrating, there are solutions to help you deal with these situations.
Read this blog to learn about your options and how to make the best decision for your dental health.Â
Why Does A Root Canal Fail?
In general, this procedure does have high success rates but can sometimes fail due to the following reasons:
- Some teeth might have complex structures that aren’t always visible. The dentist might accidentally leave some infected tissue behind.
- The dentist will clean your infected tooth during the treatment. If any bacteria stay, the infection might return.
- Small fractures on your tooth can allow bacteria to enter your tooth pulp after the treatment.
- If your crown or filling has not been properly sealed, reinfection is indeed possible.
- Your filling or crown needs to be placed at the right time to protect your tooth from damage.
Solutions For A Failed Root Canal
Here are some solutions to deal with your failed root canal treatment:
Retreatment
If the initial procedure fails to remove the infections fully, the dentist might choose retreatment. They will reopen your tooth, clean the canals, and seal them properly. You will also get a new crown and filling to replace the old ones. It will only work if your issue is minor or due to faulty restoration.
Apicoectomy
Sometimes, the problem is not inside your tooth but at the very tip of the root. An apicoectomy can remove the infected root tip and seal the end to prevent further issues. A dentist in Newbury Park will create a small incision, remove the damaged area, and seal it back up.
This procedure can help if retreatment doesn’t work and the rest of the tooth is still strong.
Tooth ExtractionÂ
Though a dentist does their best to save your tooth, sometimes removal is the only solution. If your tooth is too damaged, cracked, and infected, extraction can prevent further decay. After the removal, you can choose options to fill in the gap left by your infected tooth.
Tooth ReplacementÂ
If you had to undergo a complete extraction, you could go for certain tooth replacement options like dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures. Each option has its pros and cons. A dentist can guide you in making the best choice for your dental needs.
How Can You Prevent Root Canal Failure?
Here are some ways to ensure that your root canal does not fail:
- Choose a qualified dentist who has specialized in this area and has enough practical experience.
- Follow the post-treatment care method given by your dentist to prevent the risk of re-infection.
- Get the final restoration placed as early as possible. Otherwise, bacteria might re-infect your teeth.
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene to prevent any plaque build-up and kill oral bacteria.
A failed root canal does not mean the end of the road for you. There are several solutions, like retreatment, tooth extractions, etc, that can help you keep your oral health intact. Don’t wait; and take a step towards a pain-free smile.
Want to explore your options? Schedule a consultation today!