Yes, Your Failed Root Canal Can Be Fixed

Root canal procedures are one of the best ways dentists can save damaged teeth, and newer techniques and tools mean they aren’t the same painful procedures they may have been in the past. Still, root canals can fail, and that can be a discouraging experience. 

Dr. Thomas Eaton offers endodontics services in Ione, California, including root canals and treatment for failed or inadequate root canals. Here, we explain why some root canals fail and what you can expect from treatment in Dr. Eaton’s office to repair the problem. 

Why root canals fail

Endodontics is a specialty within dentistry, and those who specialize in endodontics treat problems with the tissues inside your teeth. A root canal is an endodontic treatment, for example, because it involves removing the damaged pulp from inside your tooth.

When you have a root canal, Dr. Eaton creates a small opening so he can access the inside of your tooth. He removes the infected or damaged material, cleans the area, and fills the tooth with a specialized material. Then the access is sealed. 

After that, your tooth is covered with a crown to stabilize and protect. The crown also helps to keep your smile looking great, because it’s common for a tooth to become discolored after a root canal. 

Although it’s not terribly common, a root canal can fail, and your symptoms continue or even worsen. Some of the reasons this happens include: 

• Unusual tooth anatomy
• A narrow canal that prevented thorough treatment
• Not getting a crown promptly after your root canal
• A deep, untreated infection
• Damage to your crown, such as a crack 

When Dr. Eaton provides a retreatment, all of these issues can be corrected. Your tooth is restored, and you still have a normal bite balance — and future problems are avoided. 

Repairing a failed root canal

The first thing you can expect is a careful evaluation of your tooth. Dr. Eaton takes X-rays to help determine the cause of the failure. Then, he suggests an appropriate and effective treatment plan that he tailors to your unique tooth and situation. 

Often, retreating a root canal means repeating the root canal procedure. If your canal is narrow or curved, preventing removal of all the bacteria the first time you had the procedure, Dr. Eaton addresses the issue. 

All of the material used to fill your tooth the first time is removed, the area is again cleaned, new material fills your tooth, and it's sealed off. 

If your root canal failed due to an infection deep at the end of your tooth root, Dr. Eaton may suggest a procedure called an apicoectomy. This surgical procedure removes the damaged tissue and the tip of your tooth’s root. Your tooth heals and you retain normal function. 

Have questions? 

If you have a failed root canal, you probably also have questions. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Eaton. He’s happy to help you understand what’s going on, and most importantly, what can be done to correct the problem. Call or request an appointment online today.