Root canals are among the most common dental procedures, with millions performed in the United States alone each year. These endodontic procedures can help to alleviate pain, save teeth, and improve oral health. And while new technology and techniques make root canals safer, faster, and more comfortable than ever before, there are still root canal complications that may occur. Knowing what to do if complications arise can help to ensure that your root canal experience is as successful and beneficial as possible.
If you need root canal therapy or other endodontic procedures in Ellicott City, MD, including apicoectomies, Dr. Lina Jarboe and Dr. Burton Waxman of Access Endodontics can help. Reach out to our team at 410.304.7226 or connect with us online to learn more.
An Overview of Root Canals
Root canals are an endodontic therapy that helps to relieve pain and preserve damaged teeth. During root canal treatment, the root of your tooth is accessed through a small hole in your tooth. The root canal is then cleaned and disinfected, and the tissue inside is filled with a root filling material.
Root canals are needed when the root of your tooth becomes infected, typically due to decay or trauma. If left untreated, root canal infections can lead to pain, inflammation, and the eventual loss of the tooth. Root canals restore your oral health by removing bacteria from within the root of the tooth and preventing further infection.
Potential Complications from Root Canals
Root canals are generally safe, effective, and successful procedures. However, root canal complications can still occur in some cases.
The most common root canal complications include:
- Persistent root canal pain – When root canal pain persists after the root canal treatment has been completed, it could be a sign that the root was not completely cleaned or filled.
- Failure to heal – If root canal therapy does not produce the expected result, it could be a sign that there may be additional infected root canals or root canals that were not properly filled and sealed.
- Cracked root canal tooth – If a root canal treated tooth cracks, root canal retreatment may be needed to fix the root and restore the tooth.
- Infection – If root canal therapy fails to remove the infection, root canal retreatment or apicoectomy may be needed.
While attending your follow-up root canal appointment is important to detect root canal complications early on, it’s also important to be mindful of your root canal aftercare. Proper care after a root canal can help to ensure the procedure is successful and minimize complications. Caring for your teeth after a root canal includes avoiding sticky and chewy foods, avoiding grinding or clenching your teeth, and properly brushing and flossing.
What to Do if a Root Canal Complication Occurs
If root canal complications occur, it’s important to seek treatment from an experienced root canal specialist as soon as possible. They will be able to recommend root canal retreatment or apicoectomies if needed to address root canal pain, infection, and other root canal complications.
Reach out to your dentist or endodontist right away if root canal pain persists or worsens, you experience swelling or fever, the tooth that received the treatment fractures or chips, or other root canal complications occur.
Contact Access Endodontics Today
Root canal complications should be rare, and with the aid of advanced technology and decades of experience in relieving pain and restoring teeth with root canals, Access Endodontics is equipped to provide you with the best care possible.
If you’re in need of root canal therapy or root canal retreatment in Ellicott City, MD, contact Access Endodontics at 410.304.7226 today.