Can a root canal treatment fail

Root canal treatment removes inflamed or infected pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals, then cleans, shapes, fills and seals those spaces. Failure means the tooth does not heal as expected or becomes painful or diseased again, sometimes months or years after treatment.

Common causes include a narrow or curved canal that was missed, leakage around a filling or crown, delayed final restoration, new decay, a loose restoration, or a crack that allows bacteria to enter.

Arrange an examination if pain, swelling, tenderness when biting, or a recurring gum spot appears near a treated tooth. The dentist may review dental X-rays, test nearby teeth, inspect the crown or filling, and check for decay or a fracture.

Treatment depends on the cause. An endodontist may reopen the tooth for retreatment, remove the old filling material, locate and clean the canals, then refill and reseal them. A damaged crown, filling, or tooth may also need restoration, or removal if the tooth cannot be repaired.

Seek dental care promptly for increasing pain, pain when chewing, facial or gum swelling, pus, fever, or a bad taste from the area. These signs can indicate inflammation or infection around the tooth and need an examination to identify the source.

Until the tooth is assessed, avoid chewing hard foods on it, especially if the final crown or other restoration has not been placed. Seek urgent medical help if swelling makes breathing or swallowing difficult.

Ask which canal, restoration, crack, or new area of decay could explain the problem, and whether an X-ray or three-dimensional scan is needed. Ask whether retreatment, apical surgery, repair, or extraction is the most suitable option for this tooth.

Also ask when the tooth should receive its final crown or filling, what foods to avoid while it is unprotected, and how the dentist will check that the infection has resolved.