Failing Root Canal in Atlanta, GA
Know the signs and symptoms of root canal failure
Now Accepting New Patients. No Referral Necessary!
Get help for tooth pain after root canal treatment
A bit of discomfort immediately following root canal treatment is normal, but you should feel back to your normal self in a week or so. If your tooth doesn’t heal or you develop ongoing pain and/or other problems, it’s possible that the root canal treatment did not work as expected.
A root canal can fail weeks, months, or even years after your initial procedure. And while root canals don’t fail often, when they do fail, it’s important to get the right treatment. Dr. Megan King can give your tooth a second chance. Call today — there’s no referral needed.
Signs of a root canal failure
You may not detect a root canal failure at first. Some patients never show any symptoms and only learn of a failed root canal with routine dental x-rays.
No matter the signs, these cases require intervention and attention. If you’re experiencing one or more of the signs below, contact our office to see if endodontic retreatment can be completed to save your tooth.
1
Discomfort when biting down
2
A pimple or boil on the gums, also known as a sinus tract
3
Pain in the tooth you had treated
4
Swelling or abscess near the treated tooth
Why root canals fail
- A new cavity on a tooth has caused a secondary infection on the already existing root canal
- There was a delay in placing your permanent restoration after the original root canal, this can lead to leakage and reinfection
- A crack in the tooth has allowed reinfection of an existing root canal
- Complex tooth anatomy that was not treated the first time
The best way to know for sure why your root canal failed is to speak to a trusted endodontist.
Treatments for root canal failure
Endodontic Retreatment
Typically the first course of action. We will remove the original root canal filling, address any untreated tooth anatomy, re-disinfect the inside of the roots, and place a new root filling.
Apicoectomy
Even well-done root canals can fail. Some root canal systems have complex anatomy at the end of the roots. This anatomy can’t always be addressed with a regular root canal or retreatment, sometimes we have to physically remove the root tips to eliminate the complex anatomy, and thus resolve the persisting issue. This minor surgical procedure involves removing the tip of the tooth root. A filling is then placed at the bottom end of the root to seal the canal system.
A thorough consultation is completed with Dr. King to provide a treatment plan and a long-term prognosis for your tooth. Not all failing root canals can be healed with either retreatment or apicoectomy. There are times where extraction is necessary. Dr. King ensures you understand the risks and benefits of endodontic retreatment, apicoectomy, and extraction so that you may make an informed decision.
Ask Dr. King: Failed Root Canals
How often do root canals fail?
Root canal treatment has a success rate of 86% to 95%. This high success rate speaks to the overall effectiveness of this treatment! If you do have problems with your root canal treatment, there’s still hope. Dr. King practices with the greatest precision and thoroughness possible to help heal your tooth.
Can you redo root canal treatment?
Yes. Depending on your specific situation, an endodontist can repeat root canal treatment on a tooth 2 or more times.
Comfortable Care, Successful Outcomes
Feel confident in the future of your smile. Dr. King is an award-winning endodontist with a knack for helping patients feel calm and at home. She’s ready to investigate your concern, answer your questions, and provide the best possible treatment options.
No Referral Necessary!
Worried about a possible failing root canal? Schedule a time to meet with Dr. King. We’ll see you as soon as possible and make a plan for saving your tooth.
Contact us to schedule an appointment.
Or learn more about becoming a patient.
“I had a failed root canal done by another endodontist. Dr. King and her assistant communicated seamlessly and efficiently. They were very concerned about my comfort. An experience that could have been very uncomfortable was made pleasant. Do not hesitate to call Dr. Megan King if you need the best endodontist.”
— R.M.
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3490 Piedmont Rd.
Suite 1180
Atlanta, GA 30305
Friday: 8AM - 12PM
