Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure used to treat damaged teeth within the tooth's pulp. It helps to clean the root canal system, preserve natural teeth and reduce pain. However, sometimes the procedure can fail, leading to infection and inflammation. It's important to be aware of the signs of a failed root canal so that you can get the treatment you need.
The most common signs of a failed root canal include tenderness in the gum tissue near where the root canal was performed, pain in the treated tooth, presence of pus-filled abscesses near the treated tooth, increased sensitivity, swelling around the treated tooth, and pus-filled or bloody discharge in the surrounding gums and on the treated tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to contact your local team of endodontists right away. The first clue that something is wrong can come from a routine X-ray at the dentist's office, which is why it's so important to keep up with your dental appointments. If the dentist recognizes the symptoms of a failed root canal, they will begin the treatment process.
During this procedure, the dentist applies local anesthesia to make sure you don't feel discomfort or pain during surgery. The endodontist uses microsurgery methods to open up tissue that is close to the affected tooth and then remove inflamed or infected tissue. In addition, they will also remove the tip of the root, seal it with a small filling, and place stitches or sutures. If the bone is severely damaged, a bone graft may be required, which will improve healing.
Usually, after surgery, you will return to your normal life after one day. It takes only a few months for the bone to recover. Severe infection can result in emergency root canal treatment. If a faulty root canal is left untreated for a long time, you may experience a dangerous and painful abscess and a septic infection. It's important to be aware of any signs or symptoms that could indicate a failed root canal so that you can get treatment right away.
Whether you had a root canal 12 weeks, 12 months, or 12 years ago, it's important to monitor your dental health and seek out help if you experience any signs of root canal insufficiency.
