Root canals fail due to the presence of an infection. Although some infected teeth that have had root canal are not symptomatic, many people with a failing root canals may experience localized swelling and/or pain. The pain may be manifested either as a general ache or could be experienced when chewing. Sometimes it is possible to palpate a small tender area located adjacent to the end of the root that has a slight localized swelling.
Some failing root canals can develop a fistula to help allow the periapical infection to drain. Fistulas can look like red spots or can look like red spots with, a white area in the center. when gently massaged a fistula may or may not demonstrate a small amount of purulent drainage.
If you think you may have a failing root canal, the best thing to do is to visit a dentist and have him examine you. He will perform any tests needed to clinically diagnose your condition.
Waiting to see if an infection subsides on its own is not usually a good idea, since untreated infections can spread and make succesful treatment more difficult. Visiting your dentist is clearly the best course of action, since diagnosing the cause of the infection will allow the most appropriate treatment before a patients condition is allowed to worsen.
Hi Dr. Spindel,
ReplyDeleteSince 2006 I have had I believe 4 different dentists attempt to figure out the cause of at first pain, then a swelling in my jaw, with symptoms of infection. They would xray, say no, the tooth is fine, send me on my way with antibiotics it would go away only surfacing every 5-6 months or so, until the past year, or two in which the only time I felt well was when I was taking antibiotics. Otherwise I had every symptom of chronic fatigue syndrom, as well as a fever. Last year I used my benefits to pay for a bridge as my dentist couldnt locate the problem. As soon as the bennies rolled over I was at the Oral Surgeon, getting my insurance to pay for a catscan was like no easy task, medical didnt want to pay and dental didn't have the coverage but I got that scan a few days ago, the tooth in question was 4 teeth away in front. The infection seeped through my jaw bone and surfaced where there was no decayed tooth. I have suffered both physical as well as psychologically, everyone sure I was just whining. Come to find out I have 4 failing and infected root canals. Obviously the removal of these would wipe out all my teeth and bridges already in place. Is it safe to repair these or am I setting myself up for more phantom illess? I feel completely alone and devastated any information would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time, Julie
Retreating root canals can be a good option, assuming that the teeth are amenable to retreatment conventionally. Sometimes post and cores can make this impossible, but other times they can be carefully removed in order for a endodontist to gain access to the root canal system. If this is an option for you I would advise retreatment of your root canals by a qualified endodontist. If it isn't apicoectomies are options, but they have a higher failure rate than conventional retreatment.
ReplyDeleteHi Dr. Spindel,
ReplyDeleteI had to have a root canal after having a silver filling replaced with composite. I had immediate pain in the tooth and the dentist recommended a root canal. It is one month later after my root canal and the tooth still hurts really bad. I can't chew on it at all, and I still have to take pain relievers every 4 hours. The dentist commented on the fact that one of my canals just stopped and was really short during the root canal. I went back in to have another filling done and mentioned that the root canal still hurt. He said sometimes they hurt for a while. I like the wait and see approach, but this really hurts. Is this normal?
Thank you for your time.
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ReplyDeleteHard to say. If your root canal fill is short of the apex and you have continued pain for a long period of time (6 months or more) than I would consider having a retreatment by an endodontist. Sometimes getting to the apex is something like opening a jar of pickles. Try, try again, and it can't help for another skilled practioner to try
ReplyDeleteHello Dr. Spindel,
ReplyDeleteMy dentist wants me to get a re-do/fit on a root canal because there was an infection on the gum above it which came and went but is gone now. The tooth never hurt me - not the smallest bit - even if I bang on it with a spoon. Is there some sort of test to determine if the root canal failed or if there is an infection?
Thank you very much for you help.
Hi Dr. Spindel,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this forum is even still active, but I have had root canals on my furthest back molars on both sides (not the wisdom teeth, I had them removed; total of two root canals.) If I press on the gum, there is slight tenderness; no pain that interferes with chewing. However, when I rub my finger on it, there is a terrible odor. Is this a failed root canal? Should I get them pulled?
Thank you.
Yes I am no doctor but the terrible odour is the bacteria pus draining out. I have had an untreated abscess which turned into a fistula for 7 years. Today I have got a root canal on it. I use to experience that odor pus all the time.
DeleteThis blog was extremely useful. I really appreciate your kindness in sharing this with me and everyone else! Dental Emergency Kit.
ReplyDelete