You have had an excruciating toothache for the past few days. It has interfered with your ability to sleep, eat, and just go about your daily life. Your dentist suggested that you get a root canal, but you remain a bit skeptical of that treatment. After all, you’ve heard that root canals can “go bad” and have to basically be done again. Let’s look at some of the facts about root canals and find out if this is true.
What Is a Root Canal?
Although root canals have a reputation for being painful, they actually are designed to relieve pain. This is because your dentist will use plenty of local anesthetic and possibly sedation to make sure you are nice and comfortable for the procedure. Then, your dentist will remove the nerve from deep within the tooth so that you will no longer feel any pain in the tooth. Finally, the tooth will be a bit vulnerable after treatment, so it will need to be topped with either a filling or dental crown to protect it.
When Do You Need a Root Canal?
There are several reasons that might necessitate a root canal, the most common of which is a severe toothache. Some other symptoms to watch out for include:
- Discoloration in a tooth
- Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Tenderness and swelling in the gums
- Pimple-like bump on the gums near the affected tooth
Root canals are typically performed to treat teeth that have developed damage or infection to the inner pulp.
Can a Root Canal Go Bad?
If you take proper care of your tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy, it can last a lifetime. However, there might be a few reasons why your treatment could “go bad” and require retreatment, such as:
- Narrow or curved root canals were not treated during the first procedure
- The crown or filling did not prevent salivary contamination to the inner portion of the tooth
- The placement of the restoration was delayed following the procedure
- Complicated canal anatomy went unnoticed the first time
These are all reasons that your tooth may not heal correctly or get re-infected following root canal therapy. However, the chances of this happening are incredibly slim. If it does occur, your dentist will simply have to perform another root canal to retreat the infection.
How to Prevent a Root Canal from Going Bad
There are a few ways to keep a root canal from “going bad,” including:
- Getting the restoration placed as soon after your root canal as possible
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene with diligent daily brushing and flossing
- Attending regular dental checkups and cleanings
About the Author
Dr. William Herr achieved his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry. Following that, he attended the Veteran Administration’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency program, where he specialized in endodontic treatment, including root canals. If you need a root canal, he will make your treatment as smooth and comfortable as possible. To learn more, click here to visit his website.
