Failed Root Canal Extractions
Safe and Effective Tooth Extractions After Failed Root Canals at Newtown Dental

A root canal is designed to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside a tooth and seal it to prevent future infection. While root canals are highly effective, they can sometimes fail due to various factors, such as:

• Persistent Infection
  In some cases, the infection may persist even after a root canal has been completed. This can happen if the tooth’s internal structures are particularly complex or if bacteria re-enter the tooth.
• Cracks or Fractures in the Tooth
  If the tooth cracks or fractures after a root canal, bacteria can enter the tooth and cause reinfection, leading to the need for extraction.
• Missed Canals
  Occasionally, a root canal may fail because an additional root canal was missed during the procedure. This can result in lingering infection that cannot be resolved without extraction.
• Compromised Tooth Structure
  If the structure of the tooth has been too weakened by decay, infection, or the root canal procedure itself, the tooth may not be stable enough to function properly, requiring extraction.

If you’ve had a root canal and continue to experience pain, swelling, or infection, it may be necessary to remove the tooth to prevent further complications.

At Newtown Dental, we ensure that the extraction of a failed root canal tooth is performed with the utmost care and attention to your comfort. Here’s what you can expect during the extraction process:

1. Consultation and Assessment
   Your dentist will begin by examining the failed root canal tooth, taking X-rays to assess the extent of the damage and infection. Based on this assessment, we’ll determine if extraction is the best option and discuss your tooth replacement options, such as dental implants or bridges, if needed.
2. Local Anesthesia and Sedation Options
   To ensure that the procedure is pain-free, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If you feel anxious or if the extraction is more complex, we offer sedation options such as IV sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you relax.
3. Tooth Removal
   1. Standard Extraction – If the tooth is intact and easily accessible, a standard extraction will be performed, gently loosening the tooth and removing it from the socket.
   2. Surgical Extraction – If the tooth is broken or impacted beneath the gum line, a surgical extraction may be required. This involves making a small incision in the gum to access and remove the tooth.
4. Post-Extraction Care
   After the extraction, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to help manage discomfort and promote healing. In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to ensure the infection is fully treated.

After a failed root canal extraction, it’s important to follow aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and avoid complications. Here are a few key tips for post-procedure care:

• Manage Pain and Swelling
  Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort after the extraction. Swelling can be minimised by applying ice packs to the outside of the cheek for the first 24 hours.
• Soft Diet
  Stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup for the first few days after the procedure. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could irritate the extraction site.
• Avoid Straws and Smoking
  Refrain from using straws or smoking for at least 48 hours, as these actions can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket, a painful condition that can delay healing.
• Keep the Area Clean
  Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean. Be sure to avoid brushing directly over the extraction site.

Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions before you leave the clinic, and our team is always available to answer any questions during your recovery.

Once the failed root canal tooth has been extracted, it’s important to consider options for replacing the missing tooth to maintain the health and function of your smile. At Newtown Dental, we offer several tooth replacement solutions, including:

• Dental Implants
  Implants are a long-term solution for replacing a missing tooth. They provide a secure foundation for a replacement tooth that looks and functions like a natural tooth.
• Dental Bridges
  Bridges use adjacent teeth to support a prosthetic tooth, providing an effective solution for replacing a missing tooth.

We’ll work with you to determine the best replacement option based on your needs and preferences.