In rare instances, a patient may still have complications even after a root canal. Root canals sometimes fail, despite how unusual it is. Root canal procedures that fail often have two causes: fissures in or around the root region or an impediment that makes cleaning the area difficult. There are signs you should watch for that suggest a problem. Some of these symptoms include a lack of tolerance for heat or cold, swelling, and discomfort during chewing.

The most common option for failed root canals is retreatment. To do this, the original filling has to be taken out, and the tube has to be cleaned and sanitized. The spot is then closed up again to stop any more infections. This treatment is the most likely to work. Aside from this, the tooth must be removed if neither the apicoectomy nor the retreatment works. With this choice, dental implants can be used to replace the tooth that was taken out.