Unsuccessful Root Canal Treatment: Causes and Solutions

Root canal treatment is a treatment method that cleans the inflamed or damaged nerve tissue inside the tooth and fills the canal. However, it is possible to interrupt and repeat the root canal treatment of some sections. In this article, the methods, treatment indicators and characteristics of unsuccessful root canal treatment are discussed in detail.

What is Unsuccessful Root Canal Treatment?

Unsuccessful root canal treatment refers to situations where a tooth does not heal after root canal treatment, the infection continues, or the treatment is not sufficient. Root canal treatment is one of the last stages to save the tooth, but sometimes it may not give the desired result due to various factors.

Reasons for Unsuccessful Root Canal Treatment

There are many reasons why root canal treatment may fail. Here are the most common reasons:

1. Inadequate Cleaning and Continuation of Infection

During root canal treatment, it is necessary to completely clean the bacteria inside the tooth. If the root canals are not completely cleaned, the bacteria will continue to remain inside the tooth and the infection may reoccur.

2. Incomplete Filling of the Root Canal

In root canal treatment, the inside of the tooth must be completely filled. If the root canal filling material is incomplete or inadequately applied, bacteria can use these spaces to re-create an infection.

3. Complexity of Root Canal Anatomy

Some teeth, especially molars, contain more than one canal and some of these canals can be very thin or complex. This can make it difficult to fully apply the root canal treatment and may cause the treatment to fail.

4. Development of New Infection

If a suitable filling or coating is not applied to the tooth after root canal treatment, bacteria can enter the tooth again and cause a new infection. Similarly, failure to pay attention to oral hygiene after root canal treatment can also cause new infections.

5. New Fractures or Cracks in the Tooth

A tooth may become weaker and more susceptible to fractures after root canal treatment. If a tooth fractures or cracks, bacteria can enter through these openings and cause a new infection.

6. Infection and Abscess Formation in the Gums

As a result of unsuccessful root canal treatment, infection can accumulate at the root tip and an abscess can form. An abscess can cause serious discomfort by causing both pain and swelling.

Signs of Failed Root Canal Treatment

Some common signs of failed root canal treatment include:

• Continued severe or mild pain in the tooth that has undergone root canal treatment
• Sensitivity when biting or chewing
• Swelling or abscess formation in the gums
• Continuous inflammation and redness around the tooth
• Bad odor or bad taste in the mouth
• Darkening or bruising-like changes in the color of the tooth

If you experience one or more of these symptoms, there is a high probability that the root canal treatment has failed and you should see a dentist immediately.

Solutions for Failed Root Canal Treatment

There are several different treatment options that can be applied in the event of failed root canal treatment:

Retreatment of Root Canal Treatment

If the root canal treatment was not completed completely or there are missing fillings, the dentist may repeat the root canal treatment. During this procedure, the old filling materials are removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned again, and a better filling is applied.

Apical Resection (Root End Surgery)

If the root canal treatment does not work and the infection continues at the root end, the infected tissue at the root end of the tooth can be surgically removed. This procedure is called apical resection and is usually used to eliminate resistant infections that occur in the root part of the tooth.

Tooth Extraction and Implant Application

If the tooth cannot be saved, the tooth may need to be extracted as a last resort. An aesthetic and functional solution can be provided by applying a dental implant, bridge or denture instead of the extracted tooth.

Ways to Prevent Failed Root Canal Treatment

The following precautions should be taken to prevent unsuccessful root canal treatment:

• Choose your dentist carefully: Root canal treatment performed by a specialist dentist minimizes the risk of failure.
• Pay attention to post-treatment care: Hygiene rules should be followed after root canal treatment and teeth should be brushed regularly.
• Do not neglect check-ups: Regular check-ups after treatment help to diagnose potential problems early.
• Avoid hard foods: Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment may be more sensitive, so avoid biting very hard foods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do if root canal treatment fails?

If root canal treatment fails, the dentist will evaluate the tooth and recommend an appropriate treatment method such as re-root canal treatment, apical resection or tooth extraction.

How long does the pain last after root canal treatment?

Mild pain and tenderness may last a few days. However, if the pain is severe and lasts for a long time, the root canal treatment may have failed.

Can a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment become infected again?

Yes, if bacteria enter the tooth again or if the root canal is not completely filled, the infection may reoccur.

What is the probability of root canal treatment failing?

The rate of successful root canal treatment is quite high, but in some cases, failure rates can be 10-15%.

Does unsuccessful root canal treatment damage the jawbone?

An untreated infection can cause the jawbone to resorb over time. Therefore, it is important to act quickly in cases of unsuccessful root canal treatment.

Unsuccessful root canal treatment is a condition that can be resolved with the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment methods. If you are experiencing problems with your root canal treatment, it is recommended that you consult a dentist without delay.