One of the best ways to save a tooth that is badly damaged or infected is to have a root canal. The infected pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and the tooth is sealed. The procedure can relieve pain and assist in preserving your natural tooth for a long time. Root canals have a high rate of success, but no dental treatment is guaranteed for life. Sometimes, a treated tooth can develop fresh issues months or even years after treatment. It’s important to catch the warning signs early, as immediate care can often avoid more serious complications.
If you’ve had a root canal and it doesn’t feel right, knowing what to look for will allow you to know when to call your dentist.
Constant Pain
It’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days following a root canal, especially when chewing. But pain that lasts for weeks, gets worse, or comes back after it gets better can be a sign that something is not healing right. Sometimes bacteria can linger in the root canal system, or a new infection can occur. Pain can also be present if there is a crack in the treated tooth or the tissues around it are inflamed. To alleviate ongoing discomfort, instead of painkillers, a dental examination should be arranged. The root canal hasn’t failed just because you have continuous pain, but it’s never a thing to ignore. If you get it checked out early, your dentist can figure out the cause and recommend the best treatment.
Increasing Swelling on Gums
Another red flag that should not be ignored is swelling around the treated tooth. You may experience tenderness, swelling or even a small lump in the gum near the root canal treated tooth. This lump, also known as a dental abscess or gum boil, can occasionally burst, releasing fluid or pus, and then temporarily disappear. Although it may look like the swelling is going down without any harm, it usually means the infection is draining out through the gums rather than healing completely. If not treated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissue and bone. Your dentist should check out any swelling that shows up weeks, months, or years following a root canal. Early treatment can often prevent the infection from getting worse and increase the likelihood of saving the tooth.
Tooth Gets a Crack or Feels Loose
Over time, a tooth can become more brittle after a root canal treatment as the inner pulp is removed. This is why dentists often recommend crowning certain teeth after dental procedures to give them extra strength and protection. If the tooth becomes loose, forms a visible crack or chips suddenly, bacteria might discover a way back inside the tooth. Structural damage also predisposes the tooth to additional complications. Don’t overlook any changes to a tooth’s condition or stability, even if there’s no pain. If you notice a crack or looseness, going to your dentist right away will give you the best chance of the tooth being successfully treated and saved.
Discolored Tooth
A tooth that has had a root canal may darken slightly over time and this is not necessarily a sign of treatment failure. However, if it is associated with pain, swelling or sensitivity, this may mean further assessment is needed. Differences in color might be caused by internal alterations of the tooth or simply because the tooth has suffered new damage. Cosmetic procedures such as internal whitening can enhance the appearance of a discolored tooth but it is essential that the tooth is in good condition before considering cosmetic options. Your dentist will be able to determine if this change in color is purely cosmetic or if it is linked to an underlying problem that may require treatment.
What Happens When Root Canal Treatment is Ineffective?
If a root canal fails, it doesn’t automatically mean the tooth needs to be removed. In many cases, it may be possible to save the tooth with retreatment, where the old filling is removed and the canals cleaned once more and the tooth is carefully sealed. In rare instances, an apicoectomy may be suggested to treat infection at the tip of the tooth. Extraction may be the best option when the tooth is too severely cracked or has extensive damage that cannot be repaired. Remember, the earlier a failed root canal is detected, the greater selection of treatment options will typically be available. And regular dental examinations and prompt treatment of signs and symptoms increases the likelihood of keeping your natural tooth.