The vast majority of root canal procedures are successful. Occasionally, though, a post-treatment complication arises. A patient needs to know the symptoms of a problem and immediately alert the endodontist. He (or she) can then treat the tooth and move toward a resolution.
The office of Concho Valley Endodontics has a well-earned reputation for exceptional skill and a patient-centered approach. We prioritize comfort, which gives our patients confidence that they’re in superior hands when receiving compassionate care.
Identifying Complications
- Persistent discomfortthat lasts beyond the initial recovery period may signal an untreated canal, residual infection or improperly sealed tooth.
- Post-treatment swelling that doesn’t subside or the growth of an abscess can mean that bacteria are still in the tooth or surrounding tissues. This could result from incomplete cleaning of the root canals or reinfection.
- Prolongedsensitivity to pressure or temperature weeks after the procedure suggests that the root canal didn’t eliminate the infection or that adjacent tissues are still inflamed.
- A tooth that darkens after a root canal can indicate continued necrosis or damage beneath the surface.
Addressing the Complications
- The tooth is reevaluated using advanced imaging techniques to detect hidden canals or persistent infection sites. The tooth may need to be retreated to clean out any missed or insufficiently treated canals.
- When conventional retreatment isn’t feasible or effective, an apicoectomy may be required. The tip of the tooth’s root is surgically removed, and the canal is sealed to prevent further issues.
- If an infection has spread to the tooth’s surrounding tissues, antibiotics will control and eliminate bacterial growth while the main treatment is planned or carried out.
- If a tooth can’t be saved, it may have to be extracted. An implant or bridge is then considered.
Dental health is integral to your body’s well-being as well as your confidence and quality of life. Concho Valley Endodontics’s emphasis on modern techniques and technologies reassures you that your endodontic needs will be met with precision and care. Please call us today to make an appointment.
