Failed root canal?

[Nina]

Hi

I had a tooth root filled last year after it became infected. For many months I had no pain or problems with the tooth. This weekend the tooth started to throb and hurt badly. I took some pain killers over the weekend but the pain is still there and the pain killers are now making me drowsy.

I would like to know, if root canals can fail? Surely if the nerves have been removed from the tooth it cant hurt anymore or can it? Can anything be done with a failed root canal?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Hi Nina

Root canal treatment can fail. Root canal success rate is around 70-90% according to different studies. Bacteria can recolonize the root canals after root canal treatment and so the root canal treament can fail. Sometimes cracks exist within the tooth and this can contribute to root canal failure.

Your options now are:

1. Re-root canal treatment. This if done well, can be very successful.
2. Extraction +/- (leaving a gap, placing a denture, a bridge or an Implant).

You will need to be seen for a consultation to assess the tooth and then we can let you know what options you have.