Optimal oral health is important for your overall well-being as it affects everything from your self-confidence to overall health. When the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, or multiple dental procedures, a root canal is needed.
In the procedure, the infected pulp is removed by cleaning and shaping the root canals and then sealing it so that it does not get infected in the future. Root canals are normally highly successful in saving teeth and preventing them from getting extracted.
If you are looking for a root canal, then contact professionals who are experts, like the dentists at Lakewood Ranch. These professionals will focus on giving you comfort, proper procedure with care, and the best results.
In this article, you will learn more about root canal failures, including the common causes, signs to watch, and the treatments that are available. By understanding these, you can be prepared and take extra care to keep your dental health intact.
Why Root Canals Might Need Retreatment
Most root canal treatments are successful and have a high success rate. However, there are many reasons why retreatment may be necessary. Knowledge of these reasons can enable patients to do all they can to maintain their oral health.
Incomplete Cleaning
When the dentist does a root canal, they carefully remove the infected pulp and clean the complex network of root canals. If any part of this canal system is missing or if it is not cleaned properly, then the bacteria can be left, which can cause the infection again. Making it important to get retreatment.
New Decay
Even if you have a successful root canal, your teeth are still in danger of getting new decay. If you do not maintain proper oral hygiene, then the bacteria can get inside the filling or crown, which can cause new infections in the root canal system.
Cracked or Broken Restoration
The filling or crown that is put in after a root canal helps to cover the tooth and keeps bacteria out. When this restoration gets cracked or broken due to trauma, wear and tear, or other reasons, it provides a passage for bacteria. This bacterial invasion can lead to reinfection and, therefore, needs retreatment.
Signs of a Failing Root Canal
It is important to know the symptoms of a failed root canal so that you can get treatment early before it causes more damage. The probability of saving the tooth increases when the disease is detected at an early stage.
Persistent Pain or Sensitivity
Sensitivity is common after a root canal, but if this issue is recurring or persistent, especially when you bite on something or apply pressure, it can be an indicator of a problem. This pain can be a sign of ongoing infection. Immediately contact your dentist to resolve the issue.
Abscess Formation
An abscess is a localized accumulation of pus that results from infection. It can lead to severe pain, inflammation, and even fever. This condition needs urgent intervention by a dentist. You need to get treatment as early as possible.
Recurring Infection
If the treated tooth becomes infected again after some time, it points to root canal failure. This recurring infection means that the first treatment was not completely effective.
What to Do If You Suspect a Failure
If you are facing any signs of a failed root canal, then it is very important that you contact a dentist. If you get help at an early stage, then it can improve your chances of saving the tooth from any further damage.
Schedule an Appointment
Never delay your consultation if you think there is a chance of root canal failure. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for preventing complications and saving your oral health.
Retreatment or Apicoectomy
Depending on the reasons for the failure, the dentist will suggest retreatment, which means repeating the root canal treatment. In some cases, the only solution is an operation known as an apicoectomy, where the end of the tooth root is removed. This helps in saving the tooth.
Extraction as a Last Resort
If retreatment or apicoectomy is not possible or successful, then the extraction of the tooth can be the only option. This is always kept as a last option when there is no other treatment possible.
Seek Professional Help Today!
Most dental issues need to be treated early as delay can make them worse and lead to other issues. It is best to seek advice from a professional dental practitioner if you are facing any problems. They will suggest solutions that will help in keeping your smile perfect.