A root canal is a procedure performed to repair a tooth with extensive damage or infection. It helps to clean the root canal system, preserve natural teeth and reduce pain. However, if the root canal fails, it can lead to severe pain, swelling, discharge, and even tooth loss. It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a failed root canal in order to seek treatment as soon as possible.
One of the most obvious symptoms of a faulty root canal is the pain or discomfort that comes from that part of the mouth. It could be a sharp pain or rather a dull, throbbing pain. It may not even hurt, except when you bite or release pressure in that area. The pain may appear as soon as the effect of the anesthetic wears off, or it may not appear until days and weeks after the appointment.
In addition, the infection can weaken surrounding tissue and cause damage to the jaw and gums, eventually leading to tooth loss. Swelling is another common symptom of a failed root canal. As the infection takes hold, you'll often experience swelling as well. In some cases, you will experience a discharge from the affected tooth.
This could indicate that an abscess has formed due to the infection. 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. Increased sensitivity is one of the symptoms of root canal dysfunction. After recovering from the endodontic procedure, you may experience pain and discomfort in certain conditions.
For example, this could happen after having a hot drink or a cold drink. It can also be caused by a little pressure, such as when eating or clenching your teeth. Do you feel pus-filled or bloody discharge in the surrounding gums and on the treated tooth? This could be a sign of an abscess formation. An abscess is usually accompanied by pain, although this is not always the case; therefore, it is essential to control any form of discharge. After a failed root canal, it's normal to feel some discomfort for several days. However, if you start to feel severe pain or if your tooth feels better and then starts to hurt, that could be a failed root canal.
For the first few days, you'll likely experience mild swelling around the treated tooth. If you notice any swelling after recovery, visit your dentist immediately. Swelling can be a sign of an infection that requires quick action. If you begin to experience signs of root canal insufficiency such as pain, swelling, discharge, or a furuncle in the gumline that won't go away, contact your local team of endodontists today. Whether your procedure was recent or several years ago, understanding the symptoms of decay can lead to saving your tooth. Seeking a new treatment as soon as possible will help you avoid additional infections and eliminate pain.
If the dentist recognizes the symptoms of a failed root canal, the treatment process will begin. 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. Then they can easily 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 and it takes only a few months for the bone to recover. It is important to recognize signs and symptoms of failed root canal in order to seek treatment as soon as possible in order to avoid further infection and eliminate pain.
