Based on a study conducted in India, the overall success rate of root canal treatment ranges from 86% to 98%. While most procedures are completed without complications, these statistics highlight that a small percentage of patients may experience root canal treatment infections, either from an initial failure or a recurrence of an old infection months or even years later.
This delayed onset of issues may be due to persistent endodontic infection, incomplete cleaning of the root canals, or the development of new tooth infections after a root canal. When symptoms reappear, such as pain, swelling, or sensitivity, it may indicate a re-infection of the treated tooth.
Continue reading to understand why a previously treated tooth can become problematic, what signs of root canal infection you should watch for, and how an endodontist can help through procedures like endodontic retreatment to save the tooth and eliminate infection.
With 95% of comprehensive procedures preventing Infection or Re-Infection, selecting a skilled surgeon for the Root canal treatment in Hyderabad, such as Project Smiles Dental, lowers these risks.
Why You Might Need Retreatment After a
Even if all steps of the process run smoothly, a tooth that receives a root canal can become sensitive or re-infect for long periods. The American Association of Endodontists (AAE) reports the following situations that can keep a tooth treated by root canal from healing as expected
The bacteria in small, hidden or curved canals cannot be completely removed and can cause infection if the dentist does not notice them during the first treatment.
The dental clinician will usually put in an interim filling right after the root canal to put in a temporary seal for the root canal until the permanent restoration (like a crown or filling) is inserted. The risk of reinfection of the root canal increases if the permanent restoration is not inserted right away.
Saliva bacteria may re-infect the canal if they get into the filling material before the filling is applied.
New cavities may form on the same tooth that received a root canal if the patient does not practice good oral hygiene.
A filling or crown that is put on the tooth that had the root canal can break, loosen or crack, creating space for a new infection to begin.
Symptoms of Lingering Endodontic Problems
When any of the above situations happen with your root canal tooth, you can have any variety of symptoms. Some of the symptoms that suggest it is time to visit your dental professional for Root canal treatment in Hyderabad are listed below.
Sensitivity to cold or hot, or pain persisting after eating hot or cold food
Severe pain upon biting down or upon the teeth being tapped together
Chronic pain and pressure
Gum inflammation, whether or not there is a pimple-like swelling on the gums near the tooth
A dull pain felt all the time in the same location
These signs mean that there might be something wrong with the pulp of the tooth, which is the inside of the tooth addressed by a root canal treatment.
Dental Professional Can Help
Your family dentist or endodontist will typically take X-rays to evaluate the health of the tooth in question. The endodontists are dental specialists that have had two to three extra years of training to diagnose and treat infections within the tooth.
When you have a problem with a tooth that has already been treated, an endodontist may need to reopen the tooth. The dentist can remove the original root canal filling material, clean and reseal the canals, and then apply a temporary filling thanks to a process known as endodontic retreatment. After this, you will be given your permanent restoration at a follow-up visit.
If you experience a painful toothache or other signs of old root canal Infection or Re-Infection, do not delay scheduling an appointment with your dentist at Project Smiles Dental. If caught early, our experienced dental specialist can effectively retreat teeth and keep your smile intact.
