Failed Root Canal: What You Should Know

Reading time: four minutes.

If you recently had root canal treatment or are dealing with lingering symptoms, you may be wondering what went wrong and what happens next.

This blog explains what causes root canal infections after treatment, how to spot the warning signs, and what steps to take if the tooth cannot be saved.

Table of Contents

• Why Root Canal Treatment Sometimes Fails
• Signs Your Root Canal Might Be Infected
  • What Happens If an Infection Is Not Treated
• When a Root Canal Fails, We Are Here To Help
• FAQs

Why Root Canal Treatment Sometimes Fails

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure meant to clean out infected pulp and seal your tooth. While it’s often successful, certain factors can allow bacteria to sneak back in and cause a new infection.

Here are some of the most common reasons a root canal might fail or become reinfected:

• Hidden or missed canals: Some teeth have curved canals or accessory canals. If even one small canal is not cleaned and sealed, bacteria can linger and cause an infection.
• Cracked or leaking crown: If the dental crown is not placed correctly or cracks later, bacteria can seep in and reinfect the tooth.
• Tooth fracture: A crack in the root, even one you cannot see, can open a direct line to the bone and soft tissue.
• Time between treatments: If the permanent crown is not placed promptly after the initial root canal treatment, the temporary filling may not protect the tooth.

Signs Your Root Canal Might Be Infected

Do not ignore these symptoms, especially if they show up weeks or months after the initial root canal procedure:

• Throbbing pain or persistent pain in or around the tooth
• Sensitivity to hot or cold food and drinks
• Swelling in the gums or jaw, or soft tissue around the area
• Bitter taste or bad breath that does not go away
• A bump (fistula) on the gum near the treated tooth
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes
• Feeling “off” or run down

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your dentist right away.

What Happens If an Infection Is Not Treated

If left untreated, the dental infection can spread to your tooth root, bone, and surrounding areas. It can cause bone loss and damage to nearby teeth.

Sometimes, retreatment or surgery by a root canal specialist (endodontist) can save the tooth. But if the infection persists or the tooth structure is too damaged, the next step is often extraction and replacement.

At Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants, we step in when the tooth can’t be saved:

• Tooth extraction: We remove the infected or damaged tooth to stop the spread of infection and protect your health. Alternatively, your dentist may remove the tooth then refer to us for implant placement. 
• Dental implant placement: Once the area is healed, we can replace the missing tooth with a dental implant, a durable, long-term solution that looks and functions like a natural tooth.

We work closely with your general dentist or endodontist to ensure a smooth transition and complete care. If you would like to be seen by one of our periodontists, have your dentist complete the online referral form.

When a Root Canal Fails, We Are Here To Help

If you have been told that the tooth can’t be saved, we can help. At Highlands Ranch Periodontics & Dental Implants, we specialize in dental implants and will walk you through the next steps with clarity and care.

To book an appointment at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO, call (303) 683-1144 or visit us at 9090 S Ridgeline Blvd. #225, Highlands Ranch, CO.

Check out our blog for more information about dental implants and related procedures. 

FAQs