Root Canal Problems

• A segment of a file can break in your root canal. Since we use high-quality new instruments for each tooth and are used only once, the chances of this occurring are slim. In most cases, the separated instrument can be taken out again or bypassed. The files are titanium-based (inert metal, like any implant material) and do not cause allergic reactions.
• Due to complex anatomy, residual infection due to a canal not being cleaned or filled completely.
• Failing or a leaking filling or a crown leading to bacterial re-infection post root canal treatment.
• Certain bacteria may not respond to root canal therapy.
• About 10% of root canal-treated teeth are lost due to periodontal disease (gum disease), splits or fractures of the root(s).
• A certain percentage (5 to 10 per cent) of root canals will fail and may require re-treatment, surgery, or extraction.
• Non-surgical endodontic treatment may require more than one appointment. Failure to keep your appointment prolongs treatment, affects your comfort, and reduces the success rate.
• When making access (opening) through an existing crown or placing a rubber dam clamp, possible damage can occur, and a new crown may be necessary after endodontic therapy.
• Successful completion of the root canal procedure does not prevent future decay or fracture.
• Complications of root canal therapy and local anaesthesia may include swelling, pain, trismus (restricted jaw opening), infection, bleeding, sinus involvement and numbness or tingling of the lip, gum or tongue, which rarely occurs and, even more rarely, permanent.
• To protect your tooth from decaying or fracturing, you must return to your dentist for a permanent filling or crown within a maximum of 6 weeks after the completion of root canal therapy. Failure to promptly follow up with the final restoration may fail the root canal treatment.
• There are risks involved in administering anaesthetics, analgesics (pain medication) and antibiotics. You should inform the dentist of any previous side effects or allergies that you may have experienced.

On certain occasions, we can attempt to save a tooth with a failed root filling by performing an apicoectomy.