What to Do When a Root Canal Fails

Woman holding her cheek in pain

Root canals are used when a tooth has an infection in the root of the tooth. Root canals are preferred to extractions as they allow dental patients to keep their teeth intact with only the need for a dental crown to cover the tooth and protect the root. Tooth extraction is an option, but without a dental implant or a bridge, you will be missing a tooth. If you have had a root canal and it has failed, you do have options available to restore your smile.

Dealing with a Failed Root Canal

If the root canal fails, your first step is to call Dental Partners of Boston right away. We want to get you out of pain as soon as possible. Some root canals require a second root canal treatment. However, when a root canal fails, re-treatment is not always recommended. Tooth extraction is normally the treatment followed as it removes the infected tooth. Extraction keeps the jawbone from being infected by the ailing tooth. With a missing tooth, there is a risk of bone density decreasing, making it difficult for a dental implant to be placed in the mouth. If the jawbone starts to deteriorate, it can lead to shifting teeth, and speech problems, and could even impact your appearance by causing your face to look “sunken in.”

Why Do Root Canals Fail?

Root canals normally last for many years, but the “dead” tooth is still vulnerable to decay. Root canals will fail if a small amount of bacteria is missed and it is packed into the tooth. The bacteria will continue to multiply and eat away at the tooth. When the root of the tooth is removed, the tooth is now considered weak and can break over time. A dental crown is used to protect the tooth, but it will need to be replaced every 7-10 years.

Why Choose a Dental Implant?

If a root canal replaced with a dental implant is the option you are considering, here are some important things you need to know about dental implants:

  • Dental implants are a permanent solution to missing teeth.
  • Dental implants stimulate the jawbone to continue feeding itself with proper nutrients, keeping the bone strong and reducing the risk of having a sunken appearance.
  • Dental implants look and feel like a traditional tooth.

Don’t let a failed root canal continue to cause you pain! For more information about Boston dental implants, contact Dental Partners of Boston for a consultation.

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