The exterior of a tooth is a hard surface called the enamel. Another layer called dentin is beneath the enamel. The dentin surrounds a core area of soft connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. This core is called the pulp. It extends from the top of the tooth, or crown, down to the roots of the tooth via canals. When the pulp dries up or becomes infected, an abscess can form within the jawbone that can be painful. A root canal procedure can be performed to remove the dried or infected pulp and seal the openings in the tooth.
Infection
According to an article in the July 2, 2008, "Dental Health Magazine," a root canal procedure can fail if not all of the infection is removed during the root canal procedure or the dentist did not clean out all of the canals. This can result in infection and the abscess returning to the tooth, causing pain. This pain, because it is the same type of infection that was originally present, would cause pain similar to the pain experienced prior to the treatment. Root canal treatments that fail to remove all of the infection can involve infections that are more difficult to destroy than other pulp infections.
Inflammation
According to the Cleveland Clinic, there are times when a root canal procedure fails and inflammation that is associated with an infection surfaces. This inflammation occurs in the bony area at the end of the tooth. To relieve this inflammation, a procedure is performed called an apicoectomy, which is also referred to as a root-end resection. For this procedure, the gums are cut open in order to remove the infection and relieve the inflammation.
Tooth Pain
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), if all of the infected pulp is not removed, the tooth might be a cause of pain and discomfort. The ADA also notes that the infection can cause damage to the jaw.
Other Symptoms
According to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, some symptoms may appear that would be an indication that medical assistance should be sought. Fevers and chills could be a sign of infection. Excessive bleeding, redness or discharge at the surgical site are signs that further medical attention is needed. Also, dizziness, headaches, muscle aches or a general feeling of illness are symptoms indicating a potential problem with the root canal procedure.
