AboutGary Backlund, DMD, MSD Expertise I am an Endodontist ( root canal specialist ) and can answer questions about root canals and their treatment. I cannot diagnose or treat online, but can answer general questions. I have been a specialist for 25 years and am Past President of the Washington State Association of Endodontists.
Experience 25 years practicing as a specialist
Organizations American Association of Endodonists, Past President Washington State Association of Endodontists.
I am wondering, how does a dentist know if a root canal is failing or not? Does x-raying the tooth show if the root canal is properly filled up or not? Can it also show if it is successful? What if the patient still has symptoms such as pain, and such? Is that an indication a root canal is failing?
Finally, I want to ask, if a root canal was successful, whatever infection that was on the bone prior to the root canal, will heal and go away, correct? So there shouldn't be any reason why the infection would still be there if the root canal was successful?
Now, what is this concept about, is it one of those deals where even if the dentist gives the tooth their best effort, the root canal can still fail? How can that happen, because I thought if the dentist did it correctly, it should have no reason to fail.
Thank you, looking forward to your reply.
Answer Hi Dane,
Our best way of evaluating treatment is by using X-rays and symptoms. If the bone heals and there are no symptoms, then treatment is successful. If the patient has pain, we know we have a problem that needs to be dealt with. It may not be a problem with the root canal. It could be a gum problem or even related to the type of filling. Sometimes we even see cracks or fractures that can cause pain. That's why a good exam and Xray are needed to make that call.
As for root canal success/failure....unfortunately, when dealing with the human body NOTHING is 100%. Root canals have a very high success rate, but about 2-3 % fail for no good reason and no matter how well they are done. It's frustrating for the patient AND the dentist, but that's the way it is.
