What To Know About a Failing Root Canal
A root canal is a procedure that removes the bacteria from the root of an infected tooth. With a success rate around 90-95%, that means 5% of root canals will need to be redone. Here are the symptoms associated with a failed root canal:
Tooth Pain After a Root Canal
Pain in a properly healing root canal should often go away in just a few days. However, if bacteria have returned to the canal, you will probably feel intense pain in the infected tooth.
It is challenging and occasionally impossible to clean the root canal system if the canals are excessively thin, curved, or have a complicated system. The initial dental x-rays fail to reveal tissue resorptions or fissures that might contain bacteria. The infection might quickly come back and spread if the canals aren’t appropriately cleaned.
Discharge
An abscess can be developed due to the infection. The discharge may emerge from tooth cavities or cracks. If you apply pressure to the tooth, you can also detect it along the gum line. This discharge may have a metallic taste.
Tooth Discoloration
It is unusual for teeth to darken in color before or after a root canal. The pigment deposited within the tooth by a ruptured blood vessel, which usually occurs as a result of significant trauma, can cause the tooth to turn grey or brown. It becomes darker after root canal treatment if the ruptured blood vessel and dead nerve remain in the canal. Your dentist will perform internal whitening to lighten the color of your enamel.
Swelling
Gum swelling could signify an infection or cyst deep into your bone. If your tooth breaks, bacteria can still get within the root and harm nearby tissues. However, if the swelling begins to spread throughout your face or obstruct your airway, you should immediately go to the emergency department.
Gum Boil
In the bone and gum tissues, active abscesses produce cysts that result in “fistulas,” or fluid-filled bumps on your gums. These fistulas can be anything from tiny little boils to big ulcers. Even a hollow-looking cyst inside the bone close to your tooth root may be visible on your X-ray. A fistula may appear and disappear if pus drains from it or the illness subsides. The swelling won’t go away on its own and can be treated by an endodontist.
Sinus Infection
Have you had a root canal recently if you are experiencing sinus issues like congestion or a runny nose?
The lining of your sinus cavity might be seen draped over your upper tooth roots because of how far they have grown. You incur the risk of bacteria entering your sinuses and a variety of additional problems if the root canal treatment penetrates your sinus lining.
Root Canal Expertise
If you have had a root canal and are experiencing any of these symptoms, we’d recommend you schedule an appointment for one of our highly skilled endodontists to exam your tooth and provide a course of action. We have offices in Beavercreek and West Chester to serve your endodontic needs.
