Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure used to save a severely decayed or infected tooth and avoid extraction. In most cases, it is safe and effective. However, when a dentist fails to carry out the procedure to an acceptable standard, root canal treatment can fail due to dental negligence.
In this article, we explain the most common causes of failed root canal treatment and when a dentist may be considered negligent.
Common Causes of Root Canal Treatment Failure
Root canal negligence can occur for several reasons. Most commonly, failure arises from errors made during or after the procedure.
Incomplete Removal of Infected Tissue
During root canal treatment, the dentist must remove all infected or damaged tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals. If infected material is left behind, bacteria can continue to spread. As a result, the tooth may become reinfected, causing ongoing pain and inflammation.
Improper Filling of the Root Canals
Once the canals are cleaned, they must be sealed correctly to prevent bacteria from re-entering. However, if the dentist fills the canals poorly or leaves gaps, bacteria can return. Consequently, this may lead to further infection and treatment failure.
Poorly Fitted Crown
After root canal treatment, dentists usually place a crown over the tooth to protect it. If the crown does not fit properly, gaps can form between the crown and the tooth. Over time, these gaps allow bacteria to enter, increasing the risk of infection and pain.
Symptoms of a Failed Root Canal
When root canal treatment fails due to negligence, patients may experience:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Swelling or infection around the tooth or gums
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing
- The need for further treatment or tooth extraction
In severe cases, the tooth may need to be removed entirely, resulting in additional discomfort and unexpected dental costs.
When Is a Dentist Liable for Root Canal Negligence?
A dentist may be held legally responsible if they fail to meet the expected standard of care. Dentists have a duty to act with reasonable care and skill. If they fall below this standard and cause harm, they may be liable for dental negligence.
To succeed in a dental negligence claim, you must show that:
- The dentist owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty
- Their actions caused you harm
- You suffered pain, financial loss, or other damage as a result
Compensation may cover corrective dental treatment, medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
How Dental Negligence Can Affect You
In addition to physical pain, failed root canal treatment can cause emotional distress and anxiety. Furthermore, the financial impact can be significant, especially if you need private dental treatment to correct the damage.
If your dentist’s negligent acts or omissions have caused you harm, you may be entitled to compensation to help you move forward.
How NJS Law Can Help With Your Dental Negligence Claim
NJS Law has a dedicated team with more than 200 years of combined legal experience in handling dental negligence claims. We provide high-quality legal representation exclusively for patients who have received negligent dental treatment.
Because every case is different, we offer tailored advice based on your individual circumstances. Our Dental Negligence Specialists are committed to supporting you throughout the claims process.
In many cases, NJS Law can act on your behalf on a No Win No Fee basis.
No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.
Thinking about a claim? Read about Dental Negligence Claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.