Why is my Root Canal Tooth hurting after years?

Root canal procedures are an important part of dental health by saving natural teeth and preventing serious issues like the spread of infection systemically. Root canals help treat teeth that are infected or inflamed within the tooth pulp by removing the infection, and reshaping and sealing the canals to prevent further damage.

In general, root canal therapy has high survival rates of over 97% on average according to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). However, failures are possible and some individuals may report that their tooth with root canal hurts years later. But, why is my root canal tooth hurting after years? Pain after years of root canal may be caused by factors such as re-infection, injury or trauma to the tooth, and treatment errors. Based on the underlying cause and your individual dental needs, your dental professional will determine the best treatment option, such as root canal retreatment, apicoectomy, or tooth extraction with replacement.

Reasons for Pain Years Later After a Root Canal

Why is my root canal tooth hurting after years? A tooth with root canal hurts years later for a variety of possible reasons, including:

Incomplete Healing

Pain in root canal tooth years later could be a result of incomplete healing post-treatment. Incomplete healing may occur if the canals within the root are not cleaned or sealed properly during the procedure, canals are not detected and treated, or if the tooth is not properly restored in a timely manner after the procedure with a dental crown or restoration. These factors can lead bacteria to re-enter the treated tooth and cause reinfection.

Dental Complications

Root canal pain after years could be a result of the presence of cracks or fractures in the tooth. If your tooth is cracked or fractured before or after root canal procedure, the strength of the tooth will be compromised and may result in pain, sensitivity, infection, or even tooth loss.

Other Dental Issues

Excessive force on the teeth that are root canal treated can lead to pain and dental issues. For example, a misaligned bite or teeth, teeth grinding or clenching, or consuming hard foods can put significant stress on teeth and lead to tooth damage and sensitivity.Other dental issues like periodontal disease, a severe form of gum disease, can result in loss of gum and bone support, inflammation and infection, all of which can impact the health of root canal treated teeth.

Non-Dental Causes

Sometimes, pain after a root canal could be the result of non-dental causes, such as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), sinus infections, headaches, or nerve-related conditions. These conditions may cause pain that could be perceived as tooth pain, even with a healthy root canal. It is important to consult with your dentist to evaluate the potential cause of pain after root canal treatment.

What to Do When Experiencing Pain Post-Root Canal

Experiencing a toothache years after root canal? There are certain steps you can take to mitigate the pain, including:

Seeking Professional Help

It is extremely important to contact your dental professional if you are experiencing persistent pain after a root canal, as this could be a signal that further treatment may be necessary. Critical issues like infection, failed treatment, or a cracked tooth may be the cause of tooth pain, which should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and harm to your health. Your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of your oral cavity, including X-rays, to assess the affected tooth and surrounding oral structures. They will ask about your symptoms and perform specific clinical tests to help diagnose the issue. Based on the findings and suspected underlying cause, they will offer treatment options catered to your specific dental needs.

Treatment Options for Root Canal Failure

If your root canal hurts years later, there are several possible treatment options. Your dentist may recommend retreatment, which involves recleaning the tooth to remove any existing infection and resealing the canals. If retreatment is not successful, an apicoectomy may be recommended. This procedure involves removing the tip of the root to clean out infection, followed by sealing the root. In cases where retreatment or an apicoectomy fails or is not possible, tooth extraction may be necessary. After tooth extraction, several treatment options for tooth replacement will be discussed, including dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures.

Home Care Tips

For minor discomfort after the first few days after root canal treatment, simple pain-reducing treatments can be done at home. To reduce swelling and inflammation, try using cold compresses on the affected area, or consider over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. Continue to maintain good oral hygiene with gentle brushing and flossing. Avoid hard, spicy, and extremely hot and cold foods. If pain persists or worsens, speak with your dentist immediately for follow-up care.

Can Antibiotics Cure an Infected Root Canal?

Antibiotics may be prescribed by your dental professional to help manage pain and swelling after root canal treatment, however, antibiotics alone cannot cure root canal infection. If infection is present within the tooth, the infected tissue must be removed professionally through root canal treatment, retreatment, or an apicoectomy.

Understanding Root Canal Retreatment

If you have pain after years of root canal, retreatment may be recommended by your dentist. Here’s what you need to know about retreatment:

What is Root Canal Retreatment?

Root canal retreatment involves reaccessing the tooth through the initial sealed canals, removing the existing sealing material, cleaning and shaping the root canals, followed by refilling and resealing them. Retreatment is similar to the initial root canal procedure, with the main difference being removing the old sealing material.

Success Rates and Expectations

According to research, the success rate of root canal retreatment ranges between 75% to 88% on average. Success of retreatment can depend on factors including the underlying cause of initial root canal failure, the complexity of the case, and your dental and overall health. Patients can expect some discomfort and sensitivity around the retreated tooth for a few days after the procedure, but overall should experience pain relief and improved oral health.

The Recovery Process After Retreatment

The recovery process after retreatment is similar to initial root canal treatment. Here’s what you can expect:

What to Expect Post-Retreatment

After a root canal retreatment, you can expect some mild discomfort and swelling for the first few days. These symptoms should gradually lessen and you should return to normal within 1-2 weeks after a root canal retreatment. Complete healing typically takes several weeks to months. If symptoms like pain continue to persist or worsen after a few days after retreatment, contact your dentist right away.

Aftercare Instructions

Similar to after initial root canal treatment, you should follow all dentist post-treatment care instructions. Maintain good oral hygiene, avoid hard, chewy, and extremely hot or cold foods, and consider using over-the-counter or prescribed medications for pain management. Your dentist will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor the outcome of treatment, which typically occurs within 6-12 months. It is important to attend any follow-up appointments to determine the tooth’s health.

How Great Lakes Family Dental Can Help with Post-Root Canal Pain

If you’re experiencing pain after years of root canal, contact Great Lakes Family Dental for root canal treatment that’s reliable and affordable. Our experienced team of dentists and dental professionals provide routine root canal treatment and retreatment services for previously treated teeth. Contact us today for a comfortable root canal experience.

Conclusion

Wondering why is my root canal tooth hurting after years? Long-term pain after root canals may indicate root canal failure and the need for immediate attention from your healthcare provider. Incomplete healing, dental issues, and non-dental issues may cause pain years after root canals. If you’re experiencing pain, it is important to continue to maintain good oral hygiene and consult your dental professional immediately for evaluation.