Jan 28, 2023

Can a Root Canal Hurt After Years?

Root canal therapy does not always work as expected. The treated tooth may not heal properly, or the patient may suffer from post-surgical complications that endanger the tooth. Removing the previous crown, cleaning the root canals, and re-packing and re-crowning the tooth are all part of root canal retreatment. Except for structural removal, root canal retreatment is nearly identical to the original procedure

For most people, root canal treatments and retreatments are preferable to extraction. A tooth with a solid surface, good bone support, and healthy gums beneath it have a good chance of survival. In addition, choosing root canal retreatment over other options can save you money.

Dental implants, bridges, and the creation of aesthetically pleasing prosthetic teeth are all significantly more expensive than working with natural teeth. They are also more difficult to maintain and feel less natural than “real” teeth.

Reasons for Pain Years Later Following a Root Canal

It is common for a root canal tooth to hurt years after it has failed due to a root canal failure or a cracked tooth.

  • Failure of the root canal

Sometimes a tooth does not fully heal, and the infection returns later. Cleaning the infection from curved canals in tooth roots can be difficult for a dentist. If the infection persists, the tooth will become problematic in the future.

  • Cracked tooth

A specialist may recommend getting an implant for a cracked root canal tooth. Or, a second root canal may be necessary to save your tooth.

A tooth can crack beneath a filling or crown. Infection and pain will result from the damage. It can be difficult to save a root canal tooth when it cracks. A specialist may advise tooth extraction and dental implant placement. A dental crown will be used to restore the implant.

There are also several reasons as to why root canal therapy fails unexpectedly, including:

  • The crown is cracked and leaking filling material.
  • Curved or narrow canals that were not treated during the initial procedure
  • Delay in placing restorative devices after the procedure.
  • The tooth has developed new decay.
  • A new fracture has formed in the treated tooth.
  • Saliva enters the healing structure.
  • Complex canal structures that went undetected.

What is The Treatment for Root Canal Failure?

Retreatment or root canal surgery is used to treat root canal failure. Although some dentists have advanced training in root canal therapy, most patients are referred to specialists. Because of the instruments required to access and remove the infection, the procedure is performed by a root canal specialist (endodontist).

Make an appointment with your dentist in Chicago, IL, for an examination and x-ray to determine the source of your root canal pain.

What Exactly Is Root Canal Retreatment?

Unless another type of anesthetic has been chosen, a local anesthetic will be administered on the day of the retreatment procedure. A rubber dam is used to isolate the affected tooth. During treatment, the dam shields the tooth from bacteria and saliva. The amount of work that the dentist at Family Dental Care – Chicago can complete in a single appointment heavily depends on the complexity of the treatment and the amount of inflammation present.

Gaining access to the inner tooth is the first step in a root canal retreatment. If a crown and post were used, they would be removed.

Following that, any filling material and obstructions in the root canals will be removed. An ultrasonic handpiece is used for this procedure. The benefit of using this tool is that it vibrates any unwanted material loss. The root canals will then be cleaned and reshaped using tiny instruments. To ensure that the roots are completely clean, X-rays may be taken. If this part of the treatment is complicated, medicated packing material will be used, and the rest of the cleansing procedure will be completed at the next visit.

Gutta-percha fills the space after the dentist is certain that the root canals are completely clean. This rubbery material seals the canals to keep bacteria out. Finally, the tooth is fitted with a temporary crown or filling. The color-matched permanent crown will be installed at a later date.Please consult your dentist in Chicago if you have any concerns about root canal retreatment.

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