Are you experiencing some pain and are wondering what the failed root canal symptoms are. A failed root canal is one of the common dental problems that require an emergency root canal. The procedure of a root canal treats the damaged teeth within the tooth’s pulp. This procedure is minimally invasive. It assists in cleansing the root canal system, preservation of natural teeth, and pain reduction. Every year, dentists perform numerous root canal procedures with a high rate of success.
Additionally, most patients get satisfied with the outcome of the procedure. Just like in other dental and medical procedures, there is a chance of failed root canal. In such instances, it is good to recognize the failed root canal symptoms. If you notice the symptoms, do not get worried because your endodontic will treat the failed root canal with surgical options and root canal retreatment.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Failed Root Canal
So, what does a failed root canal feel like? A failed root canal is a severe condition that requires you to visit the dentist immediately. Even after months or years, you might experience signs of failed root canal. This could be heightened tooth sensitivity or occasional pain. Some of these symptoms are similar to those that lead to the emergency root canal in the first place. Here are some of the failed root canal symptoms that you should watch out for.
1. Pain
After a failed root canal, it is normal to experience some discomfort for several days. However, if you begin experiencing severe pain or if the tooth felt better and then it starts to hurt, that could be a failed root canal.
2. Swelling
For the first couple of days, you are likely to experience minor swelling around your treated tooth. If you notice any swelling after recovery, visit your dentist immediately. Swelling might be a sign of an infection that requires quick action. Swollen tissues tend to be tender and sensitive and may discharge pus.
3. Discharge
Are you experiencing a pus-filled or bloody discharge from the surrounding gums and the treated tooth? This might be a sign of abscess formation. An abscess is mostly accompanied by pain, even though it is not always; hence, it is essential to have any form of discharge checked.
4. Increased Sensitivity
Increased sensitivity is one of the failed root canal symptoms. After the root canal procedure recovery, you might experience pain and discomfort in certain conditions. For instance, this could be after sipping a hot drink or taking a cold drink. It can also be due to a little pressure – like when eating or pressing teeth together.
5. Boil or Pimple on Your Jaw
In case you notice a pimple or boil on the jaw that won’t heal, the body could have formed a sinus tract that will help drain any pus linked to an infection. This could be a sign of a failed root canal.
6. Maxillary Sinusitis
This refers to inflammation that is caused by bacteria. In other instances, your back teeth might have infections that spread to the maxillary sinus. After this occurrence, you are likely to experience issues such as congestion, stuffiness, runny nose, bad breath, and jaw and facial pain.
7. Tooth Discoloration
In case you have seen changes in your tooth’s appearance, it might be a sign of failed root canal. Visit your doctor and have your tooth checked.
Why Do Root Canals Fail?
The question of what causes the root canal to fail might be crossing your mind. There are several reasons why this procedure fails. Some depict failed root canal symptoms after a few days, while others its after years. Here are the most common causes of a failed root canal.
1. Breakdown of Coronal Seal Causing Failed Root Canal
After completion of the procedure, your endodontist will seal the coronal section. They apply a permanent restoration to make sure infections do not get to the root canals. In case the seals break, your tooth gets vulnerable to bacteria, which results in re-infection.
2. Breakdown of the Crown Causing Failed Root Canal
Bacteria can re-enter if the endodontist puts the crown too late. A crack from an injury might also lead to the re-entrance of bacteria. It is advisable that in case of any crack, go back to your dentist so they can restore it with a permanent restoration. Therefore, the dentist may suggest a crown for a posterior tooth that has undergone a root canal procedure.
3. Lack of Canal Sanitation Causing Failed Root Canal
A major and common cause of failed root canal is improper sanitation. The dentist may have tried their best to ensure that everything is sterile and clean. However, the procedure needs them to ensure that no saliva enters the holes created. The reason being, saliva contains numerous bacteria, and any form of contamination can harm the entire operation.
4. Missing Nerves Causing Failed Root Canal
Another major cause of failed root canal is when a dentist misses a nerve. The dentist detects and maps the nerves using an X-ray before beginning the procedure. If they use a piece of defective equipment, there is a high chance of missing a nerve. Such a situation results in root canal retreatment.
5. Trauma or Decay Causing Failed Root Canal
Fresh tooth decay or tooth injury may compromise a root canal procedure because it exposes the tooth to infection.
What Is the Failed Root Canal Treatment Procedure
Are you wondering what happens if a root canal fails? Several failed root canal treatment options are available.
1. Root Canal Retreatment
If the dentist recognizes failed root canal symptoms, they will begin the treatment process. Therefore, recognizing the failed root canal symptoms helps save your teeth, even if it’s after several years or months. You should seek a root canal retreatment procedure if you want to eliminate pain and avoid extra infection. Here are the steps of the root canal retreatment process.
- The dentist applies local anesthesia and then reopens the tooth. In case there is a crown, it should get removed.
- Removal of canal filling
- Cleaning of the canals in the tooth
- Filling the canal and sealing it. To prevent any re-infection, a temporary filling is placed. It would be best if you visited your doctor soonest possible for the permanent crown.
When it comes to root canal retreatment costs, it’s expensive. However, escaping the retreatment might result in greater costs. Tooth extraction is the most expensive option since you will need to go for a dental implant.
2. Endodontic Surgery
In cases where root canal retreatment procedure is not enough, the dentist might suggest surgery. The main type of surgery is called Apicoectomy. You may require surgery in the following situations.
- To eliminate calcium deposits in canals
- Removinh infection and inflammation around your root
- To treat bone or damaged surfaces of the root
- Locating minor canals or fractures that x-rays missed during initial treatment
During this procedure, the dentist applies local anesthesia to ensure you do not feel discomfort or pain during the surgery. The endodontist uses micro-surgery methods to open the tissue that is close to the affected tooth. They can then easily remove the inflamed or infected tissue. In addition, they will also remove the root’s tip, seal it using a tiny filling, and place stitches or sutures. If your bone has severe damage, it may require a bone graft, which will enhance healing. Generally, after the surgery, you will get back to your normal life after one day. The bone takes just a few months to recover.
What If I Need Extraction?
The severe infection might result in an emergency root canal. If a failed root canal is left untreated for a long time, you might experience a dangerous and painful abscess and septic infection. If your pulp tissue is infected, root canal retreatment might not work for you, the dentist may suggest surgery, but if you choose not to have surgery, the only left option is tooth extraction. Even though keeping your original tooth is better, having an extraction and an implant is also a good choice.
Where to Go in North Hollywood?
In consolation, an emergency root canal is not a very nice experience. Watch out for failed root canal symptoms discussed above if you feel like your tooth is not well. If you realize it is a failed root canal and you are in North Hollywood, visit Victory Plaza Dental in North Hollywood. At victory Plaza Dental in North Hollywood, we have the best orthodontists to help you treat the failed root canal. Depending on the severity of the failure, our dentist will give you all the possible treatment options so you can choose. We serve the whole of North Hollywood. Contact us today to schedule a consultation meeting