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What can I do if my root canal treatment has failed?

A failed root canal treatment can usually be treated again. Sometimes there are bacteria still present in the tooth that multiply over time and cause a re-infection, or there may be extra canals in your tooth that the dentist could not find at the first treatment. An endodontist (specialist in root canal treatment) is usually the best person to do another treatment. There may be other reasons why your root canal treatment has failed, such as a crack in the tooth. Your dentist or endodontist will be able to work this out, based on X-rays and your symptoms and will advise you on what to do next.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure used to save an infected or badly decayed tooth. It is a common procedure that has been used for decades to save teeth that would otherwise have to be extracted.

Why do I need so many visits to complete my root canal treatment?

Each tooth is different. Some have only one canal that contains a nerve (such as the front teeth) while others have three or four canals (such as back molars). It takes time for the dentist to find these canals and …

Does root canal treatment hurt?

Before starting treatment, your dentist will inject local anesthetic around the tooth to numb it for the procedure. Your dentist or endodontist (a dentist specializing in the treatment of roots of the teeth) will be able to give you enough anesthetic to keep …

Will I need a crown after my root canal treatment?

If a molar or back tooth needs root canal treatment, because it has broken or is very decayed, it will usually need a crown to hold it together afterwards. It depends on how much of the healthy tooth structure is left and what the risk is …

Is there an alternative to root canal treatment?

The alternative to root canal treatment is to have the tooth removed. However, removing a tooth can have an effect on the rest of your teeth, putting them under more pressure and causing them to drift into the empty space. Replacing a …

Can a root canal-treated tooth still get decay?

A root canal-treated tooth can certainly still get decay. It is important to brush and floss around the tooth as usual and have a regular check-up with your dentist to check for problems. Even with a crown over the top of the tooth, decay can …

Can a regular dentist do a root canal treatment, or do I need to see a specialist?

Most regular dentists are trained to do root canal treatments. However, some dentists have more experience in this treatment than others and have a better success rate. It is important to ask your dentist …

Will my tooth change color after root canal treatment?

Teeth sometimes turn grey after root canal treatment. This is often a result of the medicated pastes that the dentist uses to clear the infection inside the tooth. For many back teeth, this is not a problem as they are not very …

What can I do to avoid a root canal treatment?

To avoid a root canal treatment, visit your dentist regularly to check for early signs of decay in your teeth. Decay that is left untreated eventually finds its way to the nerve and causes toothache and infection that can only be treated by …

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About this article

Author: Dr Livia Naharnowicz BDSc, AAICD
First answered: 17 Oct 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Votes: 436 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Wisdom teeth

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