There are a number of possible reasons for a failed root canal. Some reasons are that the original root canal was not properly done, undetected canals or strange tributaries in one or more of the roots, a cracked root, or that the patient's immune system is attacking the filling material. Fortunately, root canal failure only occurs in about five percent of the cases.

           The first step in dealing with a failed root canal, almost always, is to consider root canal retreatment it. If the original root canal therapy was not properly done, re-treatment usually corrects the problem or helps find out what exactly caused the failure. Fortunately, most insurance companies pay for re-treatment. The old filling material is completely removed and the canals carefully cleaned and a new root canal procedure performed.With time, the surrounding bone heals.

           Another option is root canal surgery on the failed root canal. The most common root canal surgery is called an apicoectomy. Apico- means "at the end or tip" and -ectomy means "to cut off". Apicoectomy is root canal surgery that cuts off the end of a root. In most cases, the problem is at the very end of one or more roots. The surrounding bone usually heals. In some cases, a root amputation or hemisection is required. In tthese procedures, a bad root is removed or two roots are separated and used independently.

          If the failed root canal is due to a cracked root, the bad root can often be surgically removed. With the problem root removed everything often returns to normal. Most root canal filling materials nowadays are bio-compatible and non-allergenic. However, older root canal fillings were irritating to the body and could sometimes cause problems. In this case, re-treatment could be the best choice. The treatment of last resort is to remove the tooth. However, removal can be expensive in the long run so most patients prefer to attempt to save the tooth before a dental extraction. If you need root canal retreat and would like a free dental consultation with Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Smith, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.