Causes of Root Canal Failure
A root canal is designed to save your natural tooth and relieve pain, but like any medical procedure, success isn’t always a guarantee. While most root canal treatments are highly effective, some may fail because of hidden infections, untreated canals, or cracks within the tooth. If you’ve had a root canal but you’re still experiencing discomfort or swelling, understanding the possible causes of failure can help you take the right steps toward relief and protecting your long-term oral health.
At Burien Endodontics, we understand how frustrating it can be to experience pain after a root canal. Our focus is on accurately diagnosing the cause of root canal failure and providing advanced retreatment options to save your natural tooth whenever possible. Using cutting-edge technology like CBCT imaging and dental operating microscopes, we can identify hidden infections, missed canals, or structural issues that may have been overlooked. If you’re dealing with persistent discomfort, we’re here to help you find a solution and restore your oral health.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is an endodontic treatment that cleans infected or inflamed tissue from the inside of a tooth. During a root canal, your endodontist will remove the infected innermost tissue of your tooth, known as the pulp. They will then disinfect the tooth and other areas before sealing it to save the natural tooth. If untreated, this infection can spread to your other teeth and jaw, causing more severe damage and potential bone loss.
Practicing quality oral hygiene, including routine dental exams and cleanings, can play a major role in avoiding root canal therapy. A good dental care routine can help stop the plaque buildup that causes cavities, and regular dental exams allow your dentist to spot cavities and other issues before they can infect your tooth pulp.
Why Do Root Canals Fail?
According to a study in the Journal of Dental Research, root canals have a success rate between 86% and 93%. Because of this high success rate, root canal failure is rare. However, when a root canal does fail, several causes can be attributed to this failure, including:
Incomplete Cleaning of The Canals
One of the primary reasons for root canal failure is the incomplete cleaning of the root canals, leaving infected tissue behind. The root canal system can be intricate, with a multitude of canals and branches. If any infection remains, it can spread back through the tooth’s roots and cause a re-infection.
New Infection
In some cases, a root canal needs a crown or filling after the repair to restore full function to the tooth. If the tooth experiences a new trauma or this restoration breaks down, the tooth can become reinfected, requiring further treatment.
Improper Sealing
After a root canal, your endodontist will seal your tooth to block bacteria from entering the pulp and causing re-infection. However, that seal can become compromised, allowing new bacteria to enter the tooth.
Fractures or Cracks in the Tooth
Your tooth can become more prone to fractures and cracks following a root canal. If a tooth breaks, infection can enter through these small openings and cause re-infection of the tooth’s pulp.
If you have persistent pain, swelling, discharge, or sensitivity after your root canal procedure, you should contact your endodontist as soon as possible to schedule an appointment.
How Can Burien Endodontics Help After Root Canal Failure?
Experiencing pain or discomfort after a root canal can be frustrating, but at Burien Endodontics, we’re dedicated to identifying the cause of failure and providing effective treatment solutions. With advanced diagnostic tools like CBCT imaging and dental operating microscopes, we can detect hidden infections, untreated canals, or structural issues that may have been overlooked in the initial treatment.
Our retreatment options focus on saving your natural tooth whenever possible, helping you avoid extraction and further complications. Whether it’s a missed canal, a new infection, or a compromised seal, we tailor our approach to restore your tooth’s health and function. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a failed root canal, don’t wait—contact us today at (206) 402-5147 or visit our contact form to schedule a consultation.