Is retreatment of root canal always possible?

[tomato]

I got my first root canal treatment a few months ago. Very proud that I went through it despite my fears. The dentist only found 3 canals and one seems to have a split end. He filled it to the best of his abilities. The defect of the tooth that lead to me needing the procedure is quite deep he said. The cavity was between the first and second molar on my first molar. It went beneath the gum line. Because of this, the dentist said, the root canal might fail. He also doesn't believe in retreatment because if there are bacteria still present that lead to prolonged inflammation after the RCT, he thinks the bacteria will survive retreatment anyway.

This Friday I have to go in again for a check. I do still have sensitivity in the tooth. No pain when biting down, tapping or drinking something cold. I have a weird sensation when flossing between the first molar and the premolar. Not quite pain but not pleasant either. And I have ear pain and pressure in the jaw but might be a sinus issue because I have it on both sides on and off. I am now afraid that the RCT failed and want to prepare myself how to handle this when the dentist comes to this conclusion on Friday. Is there really no hope for retreatment like he says? I don't want to lose this tooth because I cannot get an implant at the moment.

 

[Gordon]

The critical factor in success for most root canals is being able to seal up the canals from the oral cavity. If the decay has gone a long way below the gum margin then it makes it very difficult to get that good seal. So if the RCT has failed that's probably why and your dentist is probably correct that redoing the RCT won't help.
It doesn't sound from your symptoms that you have a failing RCT though, so I'd be optimistic.

 

[jenn987]

@Gordon How do you know what a failed RCT feels like? I just shared my story if you want to check out my most recent posts. Been having some pain the last two days after getting my RCT 12 days ago.

 

[Gordon]

Pain and or swelling and or mobility of the tooth. Or an increasingly large area on an x-ray if there are no other symptoms.
A bit of residual pain from the area is normal, mostly due to all the mucking about inside the root canal (to use the technical term).
Pain that keeps you awake or doesn't respond to a mild painkiller will be more of a concern.

 

[jenn987]

@Gordon Thank you for responding, Gordon. I had RCT 13 days ago by an endo and the area doesn't hurt with chewing but I noticed I get jaw bone twinges of pain that are on and off. I had an infection before my RCT, so I had started antibiotics 3 days before the procedure and ended the antibiotics about 8 days ago. However, on Friday I noticed I could feel a lymph node under my jaw, it's moveable but since I touched it I have been getting pain when moving my head in the area. I also have pain when I press on my jaw bone. Looking down for long periods just causes more pain.

I see my general dentist today for the next steps. But I'm REALLY hoping it's not reinfection. I don't have swelling and pain does not keep me awake and responds to painkillers.