Root canal therapy is a common procedure performed by dentists all the time. Unfortunately, there are times when it doesn’t quite work as expected. There are several reasons a root canal might not work as planned. Sometimes, there was decay or trauma that can lead to infection; other times, a crown breakdown or improperly cleaned canal can cause issues after the fact.
If you suspect your root canal treatment might have failed, here are a few things to be on the lookout for:
1. Pain
A few days of pain post-root canal is normal; however, if your pain goes beyond a few days, it’s possible that bacteria might have re-entered the canal, which can cause infection.
2. Swelling
Swelling is often a sign of infection, which can be related to the pain mentioned previously.
3. Discharge
If you experience discharge, particularly if it’s coming from the tooth which just had the root canal, it could be an indication that an abscess has formed.
4. Pimple on the Jaw
A boil or pimple on your jaw, especially if it appeared shortly after your root canal, could signal that your body is trying to find a way to drain pus associated with an infection.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Root Canal Procedure Failed
See your dentist immediately if you suspect your root canal treatment failed. Your dentist might need to take X-rays to see what’s going on and to determine if there are any cracks or breaks in the crown. If you have an infection, you’ll want to start antibiotics as soon as possible to prevent it from spreading further.
In some cases, you might not have any symptoms at all. This is why it’s important to keep regular appointments with your dentist so he or she can examine your oral health on an ongoing basis.
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