A failed root canal may be evidenced by lingering pain, swelling, tenderness, hot and cold sensitivity, and even occasional abscess or tooth discoloration. It is important to have immediate dental assessment if any of these occur following a root canal treatment.
A root canal failure can happen if the infection was not fully removed or if the tooth failed to heal. Some signs of a root canal failure include:
>Persistent pain: Persistent or chronic pain in the treated tooth or around it.
>Swelling or tenderness: Swelling of gums or face around the treated tooth, possibly with tenderness.
>Tooth discoloration: The treated tooth darkens or becomes discoloured in time.
>Reinfection: An unpleasant taste in the mouth or discharge from the tooth (fluid or pus).
>Sensitivity: Sensitivity to hot or cold, even following the procedure.
>Abscess: An abscess or pimple on the gum in front of the treated tooth.
What is failed root canal?
A root canal is a procedure that tries to eliminate the infected pulp (blood vessels and nerve) of the tooth root canals and seal them to avoid further infection. A root canal failure is when the initial treatment fails to eliminate the infection or when the tooth gets reinfected.
This may occur as a result of several factors, such as incomplete removal of infected tissue, either a missed canal or a crack. A failed root canal may take several weeks, months, or years to appear.
Signs and symptoms of a failed root canal
Recurring or chronic pain: Pain that fails to resolve after the root canal or comes back after some time of relief.
Swelling and tenderness: Swelling or tenderness of the gums surrounding the treated tooth.
Discomfort or sensitivity: Sensitivity or discomfort to hot or cold that persists after the root canal.
Pus or blood discharge: Pus or blood discharge from the gums surrounding the treated tooth.
Abscess formation: A pocket of pus in the gums surrounding the treated tooth.
Tooth discoloration: The treated tooth can become darker or discoloured.
No symptoms at all: In others, a root canal failure won’t produce any symptoms for an extended period.
Causes of root canal failure.
Retreatment: In certain instances, the root canal may be retreated by an endodontist.
Apicoectomy: An operation to excise the end of the root and infected tissue.
Tooth removal: If the tooth cannot be salvaged, it might have to be removed.
Extraction with prosthetic replacement e.g., implant.
What to do if you suspect a failed root canal.
Seek urgent dental treatment: If you suspect failed root canal, you should seek urgent dental treatment from an endodontist.
Avoid delays in treatment: Delaying treatment allows infection to develop, causing complications for treatment later.
Obey your dentist’s instructions: Follow your dentist’s instructions for treatment and follow-up.
Should dentist pay for failed root canal.
Whether or not a dentist owes to pay for a failed root canal is determined by whether failure was due to negligence or if the root canal was likely to succeed considering the condition of the tooth. If the treatment by the dentist was below the standard of care, they may be liable for expenses in relation to retreatment or other procedures that need to be undertaken.
What Is a Failed Root Canal?
Root canals fail when the initial treatment does not eliminate all of the infection, or the tooth becomes reinfected. Weeks, months or even years may pass before a failed root canal becomes apparent. You might know the signs of infection, including tooth colour change, pimple on the gum or swelling because you already experienced root canal treatment before.
If you do not receive treatment again, the infection will spread to other teeth. Your tooth will become harder to save, but it can still be saved if you go directly to your endodontist.
What Happens If a Root Canal Fails?
You may not notice a root canal failure immediately. Some patients show no symptoms, while others exhibit different symptoms than they did before the initial root canal. Regardless of the signs, infection of the pulp cannot spontaneously resolve; it must be treated.
What Are the Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal?
The symptoms of a root canal failure can be:
>Sensitivity or root canal pain when biting down.
>Pimple or boil on the jaw.
>Tooth discoloration.
>Pressure pain in tooth with a root canal
>Tenderness of the gum tissue adjacent to the treated tooth.
>Pain in the tooth that was treated.
>Abscesses filled with pus near the treated tooth.
>Swelling in the face or neck.
>Swelling adjacent to the affected tooth.
Keep in mind that some pain after a root canal is normal you might feel uncomfortable for a few days afterward.
What should concern you is pain that persists much longer than that, affects your lifestyle, and makes you unwilling to engage in normal activities, like eating and chewing.
Your endodontist can verify root canal failure by ordering a dental X-ray. An unsuccessful root canal will not heal on its own. It is necessary to receive a diagnosis for your condition so that you can follow the appropriate course of treatment and get the endodontic care you need.
Why Do Root Canals Fail?
- Â Traumatic dental injuries: The affected tooth can have a fracture or crack that leads to root infection.
-  Root canal anatomy: You might have a complicated root, such as a curved or thin canal. There may even be more canals than the dentist expected. If the dentist overlooked one of these canals or didn’t clean it thoroughly, infection can occur.
- Â Obstruction: An obstruction may have prevented the dentist from cleaning out the infected canal. Obstructions can result from another tooth, improperly placed filling material, or sealants.
- Â Salivary contamination: Saliva provides a medium for bacteria to multiply. If the interior of your tooth gets contaminated by saliva and its bacteria, reinfection can occur.
- Â Dental crown installation: Your dentist may have delayed placing a dental crown after your root canal, allowing time for infection to develop. A loose or fractured crown may also leave the tooth vulnerable to reinfection.
Conclusion
 Whether or not a dentist must pay for a failed root canal depends on why it failed, the terms of the patient-dentist agreement, and local laws. If the failure resulted from the dentist’s negligence, they may be liable for the cost of retreatment. If the failure results from factors beyond the dentist’s control, the patient may have to bear the expenses.
 It is essential to speak with the dentist and discuss any warranties or insurance options in order to decide on the best course of action.
 FAQs
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What are the common symptoms of a failed root canal?
A failed root canal may present with the following symptoms:
- Persistent or recurring pain in the treated tooth
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the tooth
- Formation of a pimple-like abscess on the gums
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks
- Discoloration of the tooth
- A bad taste or foul odor in the mouth
Don’t ignore these signs! Visit Royal Dental Clinic for a thorough evaluation and relief.
2. How soon can a root canal failure occur?
Root canal failure can happen shortly after the procedure or even years later. Some failures occur within weeks or months due to incomplete cleaning of the canals, while others take years to develop due to reinfection or fractures in the tooth.
If you’re experiencing discomfort after a root canal, schedule a check-up at Royal Dental Clinic today!
3. Can a failed root canal heal on its own?
No, a failed root canal will not heal on its own. The infection inside the tooth or surrounding bone may worsen over time, leading to further pain, swelling, and complications. Treatment is necessary to address the issue.
Get expert care before it gets worse. Book an appointment at Royal Dental Clinic now!
4. What causes a root canal to fail?
A root canal may fail due to several reasons, including:
- Incomplete removal of bacteria or infected tissue
- Missed or hidden canals that were not properly cleaned
- Poor sealing of the root canal, allowing reinfection
- Cracks or fractures in the tooth
- Breakdown of the filling or crown, allowing bacteria to enter
Not sure what went wrong? Let our specialists at Royal Dental Clinic assess and provide the best solution.
5. How can a failed root canal be treated?
Treatment options for a failed root canal include:
- Root canal retreatment: The infected material is removed, the canals are cleaned again, and the tooth is sealed properly.
- Apicoectomy (surgical root-end procedure): If retreatment isn’t possible, a minor surgery may be performed to remove the infected tip of the root.
- Tooth extraction: In severe cases, removing the tooth may be the best option, followed by a dental implant or bridge.
Get the right treatment before complications arise. Contact Royal Dental Clinic for expert care!
6. What should I do if I suspect a failed root canal?
If you suspect a failed root canal, you should:
- Contact your dentist or endodontist as soon as possible.
- Avoid chewing on the affected tooth to prevent further damage.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (as directed by a dentist).
- Maintain good oral hygiene to minimize bacterial growth.
Early diagnosis and treatment can help save the tooth and prevent complications.
Don’t wait! Call Royal Dental Clinic now to book an emergency appointment and get expert help.
