Does A Failed Root Canal Mean Its Time For A Dental Implant?

An infection in a tooth’s root requires root canal treatment. This treatment is also called endodontic treatment and is preferred by many patients. Because in addition to keeping the tooth intact, the extractions allow for the use of a dental crown to cover and protect the tooth’s roots.

But not every endodontic treatment is the same. There are many instances in which your treatment might not turn out as expected. It can happen due to various reasons which we will cover later in this article. 

Approximately 95% of root canals work, but occasionally they do not, and an infection may remain. If your endodontic treatment fails, you may experience certain symptoms. There may be symptoms like discomfort around the infected area, discharge, swelling, or an abscess. 

It is likely that you have a failing root canal if you experience any of the above symptoms. It is also crucial not to leave any unsuccessful dental treatment just like that, as this can cause more severe problems later on.

Why does root canal treatment fail?

Upon the failure of this treatment, there are different ways to restore it, for example, dental implants. But before jumping on whether implants are the best option after the treatment failure or not let us see why it happens in the first place: 

Insufficient cleaning: Dentists may have difficulty accessing narrow or curved canals, and if the infection is not fully removed, it can lead to a failed root canal treatment.

Obstruction: When your dentist cannot perform the canal treatment completely due to an obstruction in your teeth like a filling or a crowded tooth, it can result in a failed procedure. Unsuccessful endodontic treatment is the result of the dentist’s inability to reach the area in your mouth easily. 

When you have multiple canal branches: We have multiple canals in our teeth, but sometimes they are hidden behind one another or cannot be seen. The treatment failure can result from a hidden branch that wasn’t taken care of and sealed out completely.

Having a cracked root: Cracked roots are also one of the reasons for treatment failure. A fracture in the root canal may result in a fissure within the gum, making it challenging to fully perform the procedure. It increases sensitivity, and pain and also opens the door to infection.

Lack of proper restoration: Saliva and bacteria can leak into a tooth if it is not restored properly after root canal treatment. If your dentist does not restore your tooth properly, it can become infected again and can cause various other problems as well.

How to deal with unsuccessful root canal treatment?

Now that you know the reasons why sometimes this procedure goes unsuccessful it is time to see what is the next step you should take to restore your teeth. 

Well, there are many options depending on your tooth condition. But generally, people go for either a second root canal treatment or dental implants after a failed procedure.

In most cases, an unsuccessful endodontic treatment is treated by dental implants and they are considered the best option because: 

• Missing teeth can be permanently replaced with implants.
• Implants help to keep the jawbone strong by providing it with proper nutrients, preventing the possibility of it becoming sunken.
• They look and feel like the original teeth.
• Having implants will replace a painful tooth entirely with a natural long-lasting tooth.

A dental implant is one of the many options if you are dealing with failed root canal treatment. But it is not necessary that your dentist will recommend the same.

After analyzing your symptoms like pain, swelling pus, etc., he/she will decide whether you need an implant or not so it is very vital to consult your oral health care provider and then decide whether you need the implants or not.