I had a root canal on my lower left first molar three years ago. I’ve had no problem until now, and the tooth hurt. The pain is increasing. Might a dentist try another root canal on the tooth, or will I lose it and need a tooth implant? Thank you. Joy from KS
Joy.
Root canal failure occurs in one out of ten root canal treatment experiences. Root canal failure occurs when the tooth doesn’t heal completely. Eventually, the inflection will flare again. According to the American Association of Endodontics, a tooth infection can resurface months or years after root canal treatment. You may have had a latent infection that resurfaced.
It can be challenging for a dentist to see deep into a tooth’s canals, which can clear infections in roots that curve or brank. Any infection that remains will resurface later.
What Is the Treatment for Root Canal Failure?
The treatment for root canal failure is a repeat root canal or root canal surgery. Most general dentists do not specialize in complex root cases, so your dentist may refer you to an endodontist. A repeat procedure can find and remove the source of infection that your dentist left and seal the root tip. Endodontists (root canal specialists) often say that a repeat procedure has a 50% success rate. However, each patient’s case is unique; many have successful treatment.
An exam and X-ray will reveal whether your tooth cracked. If so, the risk of losing the tooth increases, and you may need an extraction and dental implant.
Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.