Our Location:
City of Lights Dental
Aurora Dental Arts Building
1940 West Galena Boulevard Suite 11
Aurora, IL 60506
630-892-7087
Find answers and other helpful dental topics in our digital library.
Our Blog:
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
Tags
- celebrity smiles (68)
- braces (6)
- root canal (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- medication (1)
- oral cancer (2)
- tooth decay (9)
- oral health (18)
- oral hygiene (23)
- gap (1)
- orthodontics (5)
- fillings (1)
- dental hygiene (1)
- smile makeover (2)
- gum disease (9)
- bridge (2)
- teeth whitening (4)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- dental implants (11)
- crowns (4)
- toothpaste (1)
- bad breath (3)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- removable partial denture (1)
- facial pain (1)
- pediatric dentistry (18)
- age one dental visit (1)
- anchorage devices (1)
- bonding (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (9)
- tooth staining (1)
- root canal treatment (5)
- sleep apnea (2)
- snoring (2)
- mouthguards (3)
- sedation dentistry (1)
- tooth wear (2)
- missing teeth (3)
- teeth grinding (4)
- chipped teeth (1)
- tooth erosion (1)
- geographic tongue (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- veneers (2)
- cancer (1)
- teeth wear (1)
- dental implant bridge (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- shingles (1)
- bruxism (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- chipped tooth (2)
- laser dentistry (1)
- tmj disorders (4)
- retainers (2)
- gummy smile (1)
- extractions (1)
- bone grafting (2)
- tooth pain (1)
- bridgework (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- retainer (2)
- dental cleanings (1)
- sealants (2)
- smoking (2)
- root planing (1)
- medicine (2)
- ulcers (1)
- canker sores (1)
- periodontal disease (1)
- root resorption (1)
- gerd (1)
- porcelain veneers (3)
- loose tooth (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- dental implant (3)
- fluoride (1)
- vaping (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- apicoectomy (1)
- toothache (2)
- mouth sore (1)
- dental care (1)
- dental injuries (1)

Most first-time root canal treatments achieve their purpose in saving an internally decayed tooth and extending its life to match those of the patient’s non-decayed teeth. Occasionally, though, a root canal-treated tooth may become re-infected by decay.
There are a number of reasons for this: the permanent crown meant to add further protection against decay may have been delayed, giving bacteria an opening to re-infect the tooth; it’s also possible the original seal for the pulp chamber and root canals after filling wasn’t sufficient to prevent bacterial contamination.
There‘s also another reason that’s very difficult to foresee — the presence of narrow, curved root canals in the tooth that can pose complications during the procedure. Some of these known as accessory or lateral canals branch off the main canals to create a complex network that’s difficult to detect during the initial procedure. If they’re not cleaned out and filled during the procedure any tissue trapped in them can remain infected and ultimately die. If these canals also open into the periodontal membrane at the attachment between the teeth and bone, the infection can spread there and become a periodontal (gum) infection that can trigger future tooth loss.
Fortunately, a reoccurrence of infection isn’t necessarily a death sentence for a tooth. A second root canal treatment can correct any problems encountered after the first treatment, especially complications from accessory canals. It may, though, require the advanced skills of an endodontist, a dental specialist in root canal problems. Endodontists use microscopic equipment to detect these smaller accessory canals, and then employ specialized techniques to fill and seal them.
If you encounter pain or other signs of re-infection for a tooth previously treated with a root canal procedure, contact us as soon as possible. The sooner we can examine and diagnose the problem, the better your tooth’s chances of survival by undergoing a second root canal treatment.
If you would like more information on tooth preservation through root canal treatment, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Accessory Canals.”