How Long Can I Wait to Extract a Tooth with Repeat Root Canal Failure?

Posted by AllSmiles

I had a repeat root canal on the tooth in 2020, and the tooth is starting to bother me again. I don’t want a third root canal, so my dentist agreed to refer me for an extraction. Can I wait until late May for the extraction? I have travel plans next week. Thanks. Macie

Macie

If a failed root canal tooth is causing you to feel ill, delaying its removal is generally not recommended, unless your endodontist has specified a clear medical reason to wait. The American Dental Association affirms that without removing the source, such an infection will persist and can spread, potentially harming your jawbone, adjacent teeth, and surrounding tissues. While antibiotics might temporarily lessen symptoms, they cannot eradicate the infection from the tooth.

Waiting weeks for an appointment means enduring unnecessary illness and associated risks. You should prioritize finding another qualified specialist or dentist who can see you quickly.

Finding Qualified Care for Tooth Removal

Several dental professionals are qualified to remove a problematic second molar after a failed root canal. Your doctor or current dentist can provide a referral, or you can seek care directly from an endodontist, an oral surgeon, or a general dentist with documented training and experience in oral surgery.
As you consider your options for prompt removal, keep these key facts in mind:

• A general dentist experienced in oral surgery can often remove the tooth, unless a specialist has identified specific surgical complexities.
• Removing the infected tooth is the definitive step toward relieving your symptoms.
• Delaying removal worsens the infection, which will likely intensify your illness.
• It is healthier to request an urgent referral from your current dentist or directly schedule an evaluation with an endodontist, oral surgeon, or a general dentist recognized for advanced oral surgery capabilities.

Chandler, Arizona, dentists Dr. William Walden and Dr. Tyrel Beavers sponsor this post. They cater to patients with dental anxiety.