root canal

Root canals can save and restore your tooth after an infection, injury, or crack. Root canals have a 95% success rate, but in some rare cases root canals may not work, and your tooth may still have an infection. There are symptoms you may experience that can indicate your root canal is failing. These symptoms include prolonged pain, persistent swelling, discharge, or an abscess around the area. If you experience any of these symptoms it is likely you have a failing root canal, and need to contact our office right away. Never leave a tooth with complications after a root canal untreated, as this can lead to more serious issues.

Why Do Root Canals Fail?

Before you discuss if a second root canal is needed, or if a dental implant will solve the issue, it is important for our team to determine why your root canal failed. In most cases it is simple to correct a failed root canal, and typically this is caused from the tooth not being cleaned out completely, or from a root that was missed.

Common Reasons Root Canals Fail

Cracked Root

If your root fractures this can make sealing the root canal difficult during the procedure. If the area is not sealed properly this can allow bacteria to enter, and cause an infection or pain.

Canal Branches

Some of our teeth have multiple canals, and in some cases they can not be seen or can hide behind one another. If there was an undetected branch that was not cleaned out and sealed this can cause your root canal to fail.

Obstruction

Another tooth or filling may have been in the way during the root canal procedure. The area may not have been cleaned out thoroughly, and resulted in a failed root canal.

What Are My Choices?

If you have a failed root canal, the severity will determine if you should have a second root canal, or look at dental implants as an option. Our team will evaluate the tooth, and determine what your treatment options are. We will discuss our recommendations and help you decide what works best.

When deciding if a second root canal or implant is needed our team will take a look at the condition of the tooth, and see if the tooth can be restored. If the infection has progressed, a second root canal may not be an option. Some patients may have gum disease around the tooth, and this can compromise the tooth, making a second root canal not possible.

At R2 Center for Dentistry, we always try to keep your natural tooth. If you have a failed root canal and a second root canal is not an option, our doctors will look at dental implants. Implants are typically the best option when a second root canal cannot be performed, and can easily remedy the situation, and restore the functionality of your tooth.

Interested in Finding Out More?

If you think you may have a failed root canal and are in need of treatment, please call our office. Our doctors are specialists, and have years of experience in root canal therapy, as well as dental implants. Let us help you become pain free and get you on the road to recovery.

At R2 Center for Dentistry, we use state of the art technology, and create a calm and welcoming environment for all of our patients. We provide quality dentistry that you can trust, and always provide the highest level of service.

To schedule your appointment with us, contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our staff will ensure you are seen as soon as possible.

root canal infection

Root canals are a common procedure, and are needed when the pulp or soft tissue inside the root canal is infected or inflamed. The infection can be caused by injury, a crack, or bacteria. Root canals can help to restore your teeth back to a healthy condition.

In most cases patients will experience symptoms indicating that something is wrong, but some do not have any symptoms at all. Attending your regular visits to our office can help ensure your teeth look healthy and are free of infection. Infections should be treated right away, or complications such as an abscess can form. This can lead to more serious issues, and unwanted visits to the dentist. To preserve our natural teeth, it is important to address any pain or issues you have as soon as possible.

Symptoms That Indicate You May Have a Root Canal Infection

  • Pain in or around the tooth
  • Tooth discoloration
  • Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
  • Injury to a tooth
  • Pain while chewing food
  • Jaw or tissue around tooth is tender to the touch
  • Swelling or drainage around the gums or tooth

If you have a root canal infection, the good news is the infection can be treated right away. Root canals are a common procedure, and the recovery is minimal. Most patients can return to normal activity shortly after the procedure is complete. During the recovery you may experience some swelling or pain around the area, but this should subside after a few days.

Following good oral hygiene habits at home can help prevent issues, and keep your teeth and mouth looking and feeling healthy. Keeping your teeth and gums free of bacteria can prevent infection. Root canals can last a lifetime if you take care of your teeth, and follow good oral hygiene habits.

Interested in Finding Out More About Root Canals?

If you are ready to find out more about root canal therapy and how this may benefit you, contact R2 Center for Dentistry. Our doctors have years of experience performing root canals, and provide the highest level of care. Our office is equipped with the latest technology, and we create a calm and relaxing environment for all of our patients. We know finding that perfect dentist is stressful, and we want our patients to know they are in good hands when they enter our office. Come experience quality dentistry you can trust, and join our dental family.

To schedule your appointment or to find out more about root canal therapy, contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you.

Root Canal

Root canals involve cleaning out the infected pulp area inside your tooth root. During the procedure the bacteria is removed, and the area is sealed to prevent future bacteria from entering. Root canals can save your teeth, and in some cases a crown is placed on top to restore the tooth.

Any dental procedure involves recovery, and patients may experience some pain. At R2 Center for Dentistry, we offer many endodontic treatments, and our doctors have years of experience with root canal therapy. We strive to provide quality dental care, in a friendly and relaxing environment. When patients visit our office, we want them to feel like family and know they are in good hands.

How Can I Sooth Severe Pain During the Recovery Period?

Once the local anesthetic wears off after your root canal procedure, you may have mild pain or sensitivity. The pain should only last a few days. If you experience severe pain, or think you may have a complication, we encourage you to come back to be seen right away.

Over the counter medications are usually recommended to help with pain during healing. Our staff will discuss at-home care, and we recommend a soft food diet after your root canal. Once you have recovered you can resume eating normally.

Tips to Soothe Pain During Recovery

In addition to over-the-counter pain medication there are some things patients can do at home to help sooth their pain during recovery.

  • Use an ice pack for immediate pain relief on your jaw near the tooth. This can also help with inflammation.
  • Patients can gargle with salt water a few times a day to help soothe pain.
  • Cucumbers placed on the area in your mouth can help the pain and feel refreshing.
  • Olive oil on a cotton ball placed on the area in your mouth can help reduce pain.
  • You can mix salt and pepper with a little water to form a paste. Applying this to the area can help sooth pain. Salt and pepper have anti-inflammatory properties.

If pain persists and does not improve after a few days we recommend contacting our office. We will have you come in as soon as possible to examine the area, and check for complications such as infection. Most patients recover normally and complications are rare.

Interested in Finding Out More About Root Canal Therapy?

If you are interested in finding out how you can benefit from root canal therapy, contact R2 Center for Dentistry, and our staff will be happy to schedule your appointment.