Root canals, despite their reputation, are often necessary to save a severely damaged or infected tooth. Modern dentistry makes this a painless procedure that can rescue a patient from a lot of pain. However, there are times when, despite a dentist’s best efforts, a root canal needs to be redone.
If you find yourself wondering why a previously treated tooth might require another round of attention, continue reading.
1. Incomplete Removal of Infection
The goal of root canal treatment is to eliminate infection from the tooth’s pulp and root canals. In some cases, the initial treatment may not remove all the afflicted structures, leading to another round of infection.
2. New Infection in the Tooth
Conversely, even after a successful root canal, there’s a small chance that a new infection can occur. This may be due to new decay, a crack in the tooth, or other factors that expose the treated tooth to bacteria. In this case, a new root canal may be needed, accompanied by other treatments like fillings or crowns.
3. Missed Root Canal
Human teeth have a very complex design, and some teeth have more canals than others. In certain cases, the anatomy of your tooth might pose challenges during the initial treatment. If your dentist missed one of your roots due to the complexity of your canal placement, retreatment is necessary for thorough cleaning and sealing.
4. Cracked Tooth Seal
The success of a root canal relies on a well-sealed tooth. Over time, the seal may break down due to general wear or damage. In such cases, a retreatment can replace the broken bacteria barrier. To prevent this from happening, be sure to modify your diet after treatment. Hard, crunchy foods like raw veggies and potato chips can jar and damage treated teeth.
If you suspect the need for root canal retreatment or are experiencing any concerning symptoms, talk to your dentist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment can minimize pain and reduce the risk of severe infection. While root canals are 95 percent effective, they can fail. Understanding the reasons why this failure happens is important to modify your behavior and get the treatment you need.
About the Author
Dr. Kevin Labosky is a bright and talented dentist who enjoys bringing his patients out of pain and seeing them smile. Whether you need a root canal retreatment, or another procedure to help you smile again, Dr. Labosky can help. He earned his dental doctorate from the Temple University School of Dentistry and has since continued to learn from the prestigious Dawson Academy. To schedule an appointment at Kevin P. Labosky, DMD, call (814) 237-7004 or visit the website to explore other services.
