Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 11/27/2006

Question
I had a root canal 37 years ago and about 10 yrs ago, had the tooth cut off even with the gums and had a tooth cemented in. The tooth started hurting and throbbing and I was told I probably needed the root canal redone. Is this possible after this many yrs, that the pain is from that?

Answer
Hi Linda,

Sorry you are having troubles. Unfortunately, it is certainly possible that the root canal is failing. About 3-5% of root canal treated teeth do fail. It can be caused by a number of things, but the most likely is that, for whatever reason, the the cement sealing the root canal has dissolved. This occurs most often when saliva has gotten down inside the tooth, perhaps from decay or from a leaking filling. I would suggest that you see an endodontist for evaluation and treatment if necessary. Redoing a root canal is much more difficult than doing it the first time and is beyond most general dentists ability.

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD