Root canal treatment is a routine procedure performed every day in nearly all dental offices and has a high success rate. Still, it can fail in some cases. In this article, we discuss what makes a root canal fail.
What Makes a Root Canal Fail?
Root canal therapy is typically used to treat severe decay that has reached the pulp inside the tooth and save the tooth from extraction. During the procedure, your dentist accesses the inner chambers of the tooth through the crown and cleans the canals. Then, the canals are filled with biocompatible material and sealed.
Typically, root canal therapy is painless because it is performed under local anesthesia, and recovery is relatively quick, taking approximately a week. However, a root canal can fail in some cases:
Incorrectly Performed Procedure
Some teeth have tiny, curved, or hidden canals that are difficult to fully clean and disinfect. Thus, an inexperienced dentist might miss such canals, leaving the tooth infected before sealing it. Infected pulp left in tooth canals always leads to tooth reinfection and potentially to tooth extraction.
Additionally, the root canal fails if a root perforation (an unintended opening in the root of a tooth) occurs during the dental procedure. Root perforation leads to reinfection of the tooth and the surrounding tissue. If it is spotted soon after the procedure, the tooth can be retreated. In other cases, it may lead to severe pain and tooth loss.
Faulty tooth sealing also leads to procedure failure, as it allows bacteria to enter the tooth, causing reinfection.
In conclusion, root canal therapy is a delicate and complex procedure that requires specialized training and experience. That is why we recommend that you ensure your procedure is performed by a reputable doctor with a high success rate.
Tooth Fracture
In cases of severe decay, the tooth may be significantly weakened and have thin walls. This makes it vulnerable to damage, even if root canal therapy is successful, especially if the crown is not placed to reinforce the tooth. Such teeth can crack or fracture under biting and chewing pressure.
Reinfection of the Tooth
Earlier, we described how incorrectly performed root canal therapy can lead to reinfection of the tooth. However, even if the procedure is successful, insufficient post-care or the patient’s general and oral health issues can also lead to reinfection.
To minimize the risk of tooth reinfection after a successful root canal procedure, we recommend adhering to the following rules:
- Do not chew on the treatment side of the mouth for several days after the treatment to allow the tooth to recover.
- Switch to liquid foods for the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and then follow up with soft foods for the next several days.
- Abstain from smoking and alcohol, as they significantly hinder healing.
- Avoid sports and strenuous activities and keep your head elevated when lying down for 7 to 10 days after your root canal treatment.
- Ensure your oral hygiene routine is thorough: brush your teeth twice a day for 2 full minutes, be careful when brushing the procedure site, and floss every evening.
- Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution after meals.
- Do not skip follow-up appointments with your doctor.
- If antibiotics are prescribed, make sure to take the entire course according to schedule.
Get a Safe Root Canal Treatment at Santa Ana Magic Smile
If you require a root canal treatment, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced dentist at Santa Ana Magic Smile. Our specialists utilize modern treatment methods and high-quality materials to deliver reliable results to each patient. We are looking forward to your visit.
