Getting a root canal is supposed to stop pain and save a tooth. But sometimes, it doesn’t work as expected, and the tooth might still cause trouble. A root canal failure can be frustrating, and you might wonder if something went wrong. Let’s see how to tell if your root canal failed, what causes it, and what to do if it happens.
How Do You Know If a Root Canal Is Failing?
Failure of the root canal doesn’t happen often, but it’s not unheard of. The root canal failure rate is about 5-15%. So, how do you know if your root canal has failed? The best way to find out is by visiting your dentist:
- They’ll likely take an X-ray to check the inside of the tooth and make sure the infection is gone.
- If the X-ray shows signs of infection or other problems, they can help you figure out what to do next.
- If you’re still feeling pain, swelling, or discomfort months after the procedure, it’s a good idea to see your dentist as soon as possible.
- They can do more tests to make sure everything is healing properly.
Root Canal Failure Symptoms
| Symptom | What It Means |
| Persistent Pain | If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, the infection might still be there. |
| Swelling around the Tooth | Swelling in the gums or face near the tooth could be a sign of infection. |
| Sensitivity to Hot or Cold | If your tooth becomes extra sensitive to heat or cold, the root canal may not have healed properly. |
| Tooth Discoloration | A darkened tooth might mean there’s still an infection inside. |
| Foul Taste or Odor | A bad taste or smell could mean that bacteria is still inside the tooth. |
| Gum Tenderness | Tenderness or pain around the gums may indicate an issue with the root canal. |
| Recurring Abscesses | Small bumps or lumps filled with pus in the gums could show a failed root canal. |
How X-Rays Are Used to Identify Failed Root Canals?
X-rays are one of the most important tools dentists use to check for root canal failure. An X-ray can show if there’s an infection still in the tooth or if the root didn’t heal properly. A good dentist will look at the root canals and look for any signs that the infection has spread or that the filling isn’t sealed correctly. If there’s an issue, your dentist will talk to you about the next steps, which may involve more treatment or even a follow-up procedure. Without an X-ray, it’s much harder to see what’s going on inside the tooth, so it’s a helpful step in catching a failed root canal early.
What Causes Root Canal Failure?
| Cause | Explanation |
| Incomplete Cleaning or Filling | If all the infected tissue wasn’t removed or the tooth wasn’t sealed properly, the infection can come back. |
| Re-infection | Bacteria can get into the tooth if it wasn’t sealed correctly or if something broke the seal. |
| Cracked or Damaged Tooth | If the tooth is cracked, it can let bacteria in, which can cause a new infection. |
| Complex Root Anatomy | Some teeth have multiple canals that are hard to treat, so if one is missed, the infection can stay. |
| Delayed or Inadequate Treatment | If the root canal wasn’t done quickly enough or properly, it can fail later on. |
| Teeth Grinding or Trauma | If you grind your teeth or have an accident, it can damage the tooth and cause the root canal to fail. |
| Poor Oral Hygiene | Not taking care of your teeth after the procedure can lead to reinfection. |
What To Do for a Failed Root Canal?
If you think you’re experiencing root canal failure, don’t wait. See your dentist right away. They’ll take an X-ray to see what’s going on inside your tooth. If the problem is that the infection wasn’t fully cleaned out, they may suggest re-doing the root canal. This means they’ll clean out the tooth again, remove any remaining infection, and fill it back up properly to seal it off.
If redoing the root canal treatment Phoenix doesn’t work, your dentist might recommend an apicoectomy. This is a procedure where they make a small cut in the gum to get to the tip of the root and clean out the infection that’s stuck there. It sounds more complicated, but it’s often very effective.
In cases where the tooth is just too damaged to save, your dentist might need to pull it out. If that happens, they’ll help you figure out what to do next. You might need a dental implant or a bridge to replace the missing tooth so you can get your smile back and avoid any gaps.
Is Your Dentist Responsible for a Failed Root Canal?
Root canal failure isn’t always the dentist’s fault. In many cases, it happens because of factors that can’t be controlled, like the tooth’s unique structure or how the infection behaved. Some teeth have extra roots that are hard to treat, or the infection might hide in places that are difficult to clean.
That being said, if a dentist didn’t do the root canal properly, for example, by missing part of the infection or failing to seal the tooth, then they could be responsible. You need to talk to your dentist if you’re concerned about your treatment. They can explain what happened and what can be done to fix it.
The Bottom Line
While it’s rare, a root canal failure is possible. But if you notice symptoms like pain, swelling, or sensitivity, don’t ignore them and visit 24 hour emergency dentist. The sooner you get it checked out, the better. If your root canal has failed, there are treatment options available to help fix the problem and save your tooth.
FAQs
Can a root canal fail years later?
Yes, root canal failure can happen years later, especially if there’s a new infection or the tooth becomes damaged.
What are the symptoms of a failed root canal?
Symptoms include persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity, tooth discoloration, bad taste or odor, gum tenderness, and recurring abscesses.
Does a failed root canal need to be extracted?
Not always. Many failed root canals can be treated with re-treatment. Extraction is only needed if the tooth is too damaged.
Can a failed root canal kill you?
No, while a failed root canal can cause discomfort and infection, it’s not life-threatening. Treatment is important to prevent further issues.
Can you see a failed root canal on an X-ray?
Yes, an X-ray can show signs of infection, incomplete treatment, or damage inside the tooth, which can indicate a failed root canal.
