A root canal treatment is done to save the tooth that has severe decay. It is a routine and predictable procedure, but sometimes, a root canal seal can fail right after the procedure or over time. It is dangerous because it puts the tooth in danger of extraction. In this article, we listed signs that you need to replace a root canal seal. If you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with a root canal treatment specialist to avoid losing the tooth entirely.
What Happens if a Root Canal Seal Fails?
Root canal treatment involves removing the infected pulp from the tooth, cleaning the canals, and filling and sealing the canals with a dental biocompatible material. This procedure helps to save teeth with advanced decay from extraction.
Sealing root canals prevents future infections. If the seal of the canal fails, the tooth becomes vulnerable to bacterial infections, leading to further tooth decay and tooth loss. This condition will not go away on its own and requires timely medical attention.
Signs You Need to Replace a Root Canal Seal
Some patients might not notice any symptoms for some time after the seal of the root canal failed. That is why it is essential to have regular checkups at your dentist’s office to spot the issue before it causes significant oral health problems. Other patients might have symptoms that include:
- Tooth discoloration or dark stains on the tooth
- Toothache or pain when chewing or applying pressure on the tooth
- Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Darkening, swelling, or redness of the surrounding gum tissue
- Tenderness or pain in the surrounding gum
- Pimples on the gum surrounding the tooth
- Swelling of the face or neck on the side of the tooth in question
- Abscess filled with pus near the tooth
If the root canal seal fails and is left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss. Make an appointment with a general dentist or an endodontist as soon as you notice any symptoms listed above.
How Long Does Root Canal Sealant Last?
On average, if a root canal treatment is performed well, the seal can last for ten or more years. However, the longevity of the root canal sealant depends on several factors, such as:
- The condition of the tooth before the procedure
- The sufficiency of oral hygiene and oral hygiene habits
- The patient’s overall health
- Existence of oral or facial traumas
If the tooth decay was very severe before the root canal treatment, the longevity of a sealant can be decreased. Also, in some cases, a dentist might accidentally leave some of the infected pulp in the canals. Unfortunately, this often leads to root canal sealant failure and reinfection of the tooth soon after the procedure.
How to Make a Root Canal Sealant Last Longer
To make the results of the root canal treatment last longer, please follow the tips below:
- Make sure that your oral hygiene is sufficient. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily in the evenings. Consider using a water flosser in addition to a toothbrush and traditional floss to enhance the health of your gums and teeth. The goal is to regularly remove food debris and bacteria from your teeth and gums and to prevent plaque accumulation.
- Visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months for professional cleanings and routine checkups. Even if your oral hygiene is good, some plaque can still accumulate on your teeth over time. It is important to professionally remove it on a regular basis. In addition, checkups will help spot any issues before they become too severe and prevent expensive and strenuous procedures in the future.
- Prevent physical damage to your teeth. Do not use your teeth as tools or chew on hard and crunchy foods or objects. Consider wearing a mouthguard to avoid oral trauma if you play contact sports. If you suffer from bruxism (grinding and clenching your teeth at night), consider seeking treatment to prevent your teeth from wearing out. A mouthguard can also help to solve this issue.
Make an Appointment Today
If you have any signs that your root canal sealant might have failed, do not hesitate to contact our office as soon as possible and make an appointment with a top Hollywood dentist. To save the tooth from further decay and extraction, we need to act promptly. Specialists at GLO Modern Dental are looking forward to welcoming you to our dental office.