A root canal is a restorative dental procedure that involves the removal of the soft center of your tooth. The center of your tooth is referred to as the pulp and it is made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. Sometimes, the pulp can become inflamed, injured, and even infected. This can cause a variety of dental issues that can result in complete tooth loss, or worse. While a root canal is a highly successful procedures, sometimes it may fail. Below you will common symptoms of a failed root canal, and what to do if it happens to you.

Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal

If your root canal fails, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms. Contact your dental provider as soon as possible to discuss what steps you should take.

Swelling:

Root canal recovery can take between a few days to a week. This completely depends on the person as everyone heals at a different rate. Once you have recovered from your root canal, you should not experience any swelling in or around your mouth. In fact, swelling can be a sign of an infection. So you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

Pain or Tenderness:

Post-recovery you shouldn’t experience any pain or tenderness. While this may occur shortly after your procedure, it should not continue after the first week. Often pain and tenderness are caused by inflammation. Inflammation may be caused by infectious material leaking out of your teeth or gums. If this occurs, contact your dental provider to discuss any next steps.

Sensitivity to Hot or Cold Temperatures:

This is not always a sign of major trouble, but it can be. If you notice your experience conditional sensitivity, you may want to follow up with your dentist. Conditional sensitivity occurs when you experience sensitivity when eating or drinking hot or cold food or beverages. This can be frustrating so contact your dentist to determine how you can overcome the issue.

Persistent Pain:

This is more than just pain and tenderness and should be taken seriously. Persistent pain means pain that goes well beyond the first week after your procedure. In fact, it is a common sign of a failed root canal. Research has shown that only 5% of patients experience persistent pain after a root canal so talk with your dentist to determine the issue.

Discharge:

If you notice pus or discharge coming from the area where your root canal was, this can signify an infection. Pus-filled bloody discharge is not a good sign after a root canal and you should contact your dental provider as soon as possible. While a root canal is supposed to remove the infected pulp, it can get re-infected in rare cases.

Root Canal Treatment

If you are concerned you may need a root canal, it’s important to contact a skilled endodontist in Los Angeles. Some of the common symptoms that indicate you may need a root canal include severe or sudden pain, temperature sensitivity, pain while chewing or biting down, swelling in your gums, tooth discoloration, pus or drainage from your teeth or gums, swelling or tenderness jaw, or bad breath that doesn’t go away. If you have already had a root canal and experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, your root canal may have failed. Another reason to contact a skilled endodontist for root canal therapy in Los Angeles. The team at Maz Endodontics are skilled in root canal therapy and can help you get your oral health in order. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!