Top 3 Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal

Root canal therapy is a highly effective and common dental procedure, with a success rate exceeding 95%. If you’ve had one, it’s reassuring to know that in most cases, your oral health will be restored without any complications. However, like any medical procedure, there are rare instances when a root canal might fail. This can happen due to factors like a loose crown, tooth fracture, or new decay around the treated area.
Understanding the signs of a root canal failure can help you take quick action to protect your smile and overall oral health. Here, we’ll walk you through the top three symptoms of a root canal failure and discuss the treatment options available to restore your tooth.
What Are the Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal?
1. Persistent or Recurring Pain
It's normal to feel some level of discomfort in the days following a root canal as your tooth and surrounding tissues heal. This typically subsides within a few days. However, if you experience the following types of pain, it may be a sign of concern:
- Severe pain that doesn’t subside. If the treated tooth continues to hurt intensely long after the procedure, there may still be an underlying issue.
- Pain that returns after a pain-free period. If the tooth initially feels better but begins hurting days, weeks, or even months later, this could indicate a root canal failure.
Pain doesn't always mean a failed root canal, but it’s crucial to call your dentist or endodontist promptly to rule out any issues or take appropriate measures.
2. Swelling in the Gums or Face
Mild swelling around the affected tooth is common for a day or two after a root canal procedure. However:
- Persistent swelling in your gums or face may suggest that the infection wasn't fully resolved or has returned.
- New swelling that develops after the recovery period may also indicate a problem with the treated tooth.
Swelling is often a sign of infection, and ignoring it can allow the issue to worsen. Your endodontist can examine the area to determine the cause and recommend the appropriate solution.
3. Discharge or Abscess Around the Tooth
Visible discharge from the treated tooth or surrounding gums is a red flag. This may look like pus or a bloody fluid and often points to the development of a new abscess. Other accompanying signs might include:
- Foul smell or taste in your mouth
- Sensitivity or tenderness in the area, though pain isn’t always present.
If you notice any type of discharge, even if it seems minor, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Left untreated, an abscess can lead to further complications, including damage to surrounding tissues.
What to Do If You Suspect a Root Canal Failure
If you notice any of the above symptoms, don’t panic—there are treatment options available. With quick action and professional care, it’s possible to save the affected tooth and restore your oral health.
Root Canal Retreatment
The most common course of action for a failed root canal is retreatment. During this procedure:
- The restorative materials from the previous treatment are carefully disassembled.
- Your endodontist will thoroughly clean the canals and examine them to find the source of the issue.
- The canals are re-treated and filled, and your crown is rebuilt to restore your tooth’s functionality.
Root canal retreatments are effective in most cases and provide a new opportunity to preserve your tooth and eliminate infection.
Apicoectomy
If retreatment is not successful or the issue lies deeper within the tooth structure, an apicoectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves:
- Removing the tip of the tooth’s root where the infection or other issue is located.
- Sealing the cleaned area with a special filling.
An apicoectomy is often the last step to resolve an issue and save the natural tooth before extraction is considered.
Tooth Extraction (a Last Resort)
If all other options fail or if the tooth is too damaged to save, extraction might be necessary. Your dentist or endodontist can discuss options for replacing the extracted tooth, such as dental implants or bridges, to maintain the integrity of your smile.
Remember, the sooner you contact your dental professional after noticing symptoms, the more options you’ll have for treatment.
Helping You Through the Process
At Forest Lake Endodontics, we understand that undergoing a procedure like a root canal—and dealing with unexpected complications—can feel overwhelming. Our dedicated team is here to ensure that you feel informed, supported, and cared for every step of the way.
Despite occasional failures, root canal therapy remains a highly reliable and effective treatment for preserving your natural teeth. The good news is that when issues are detected early, they can almost always be resolved without the need to extract the affected tooth.
If you’re experiencing anything unusual after your root canal procedure—or even years later—reach out to us. We’ll take the time to thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and tailor a treatment plan to restore your oral health.
Because a healthy, pain-free smile is always worth it.
Contact Forest Lake Endodontics
Don’t wait if you suspect a root canal failure. Call 651-464-9888 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.