What Can Lead to Unsuccessful Root Canal Therapy?
Most instances of root canal therapy will be successful, as highly experienced and qualified dentists perform them. However, you need to be aware of the factors that may render the treatment unsuccessful. After the root canal procedure, your dentist may ask you to visit the clinic for a healing check-up and also to check on the presence of some of the factors mentioned below.
Presence of Persistent Extra-Canal and Intra-Canal Bacteria
Bacteria can be harboured in your root canal, which can lead to them evading disinfection. Additionally, these bacteria can thrive if your dentist does not carry out debridement effectively. Debridement is the process of removing the infected, dead or damaged pulp tissue in your tooth, which is a stage during root canal therapy.
When such bacteria are not cleaned out and removed, the apical seal of the root canal fillings does not properly form. Failure of the seal to form will lead to seepage of fluids leading to inflammation. The process will have to be redone if your tooth is not so much damaged. It is, therefore, crucial that your dentist carries out proper disinfection and debridement.
Overextended or Inadequate Root Filling
Root filling can also be called obturation. If you have an underlying condition, for example, a periradicular lesion, an overextended root filling will cause severe symptoms. An overextended or inadequate root filling may also put you at risk of periapical periodontitis. Additionally, an overextended or inadequate obturation will give you discomfort during chewing and when you have your teeth shut.
Leaking Coronal Seal
If the coronal seal is not properly done, there will be instances of leakage. Leaking may lead to periapical periodontitis, especially if you also had under extended or inadequate obturation.
Missing a Canal
A dentist may miss a canal (especially for a molar) during root canal therapy. Molars can have more canals than roots, and missing one that is infected will lead to problems such as those mentioned in the section about the presence of persistent extra-canal and intra-canal bacteria above. Missing a canal means that the dentist will carry out debridement and disinfection in other canals but miss one. It is, therefore, vital that a dentist is not distracted during the procedure.
Rotary Instrument Problems
Your dentist uses rotary instruments for debridement and shaping your tooth. If any were to fracture, it would lead to unsuccessful results mainly in a case where there was an infection. A reputable dentist should be well prepared for such a scenario by having more than one instrument ready and being gentle to avoid tooth destruction.
For more information about root canal therapy, talk to your local dentist.