Most root canal treatments work well for many years. Sometimes, though, a tooth that has had a root canal becomes painful or infected again, months or even years later. Before you agree to remove the tooth, ask whether root canal re-treatment can save it. At Qualiteeth, failed and difficult root canals in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are treated by our restorative dentistry specialist, who is registered on the National Specialist Register.
Why does a root canal fail?
- A missed or hidden canal. Some teeth have extra or curved canals that were not cleaned the first time.
- Leakage. The tooth was not sealed with a crown or a good filling soon after treatment, so bacteria got back in.
- New decay under an old filling or crown.
- A crack in the tooth or root.
- Complex anatomy, such as narrow, blocked or very curved canals, or a broken instrument left inside.
Signs your root canal may have failed
- Pain when biting on a tooth that had a root canal
- Swelling or a small pimple on the gum near the tooth
- A bad taste or pus draining from the gum
- A dark shadow at the root tip on an X-ray, sometimes found at a routine check-up with no pain at all
If you notice any of these, see a dentist soon. Infection left alone can spread to the bone and nearby teeth. Read what to do about a toothache before your visit.
What is root canal re-treatment?
Re-treatment means redoing the root canal. The specialist:
- takes X-rays to look at the roots and the bone
- numbs the tooth with local anaesthetic
- removes the old crown or filling and the old root filling material
- finds and cleans every canal, including any that were missed
- disinfects and seals the canals again
- protects the tooth with a new crown once it has settled
Re-treatment is more demanding than a first root canal, so it usually takes two or more visits.
Your options for a failed root canal
| Option | What it involves | When it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Re-treatment | Redo the root canal and seal the tooth again | Most failed root canals where the tooth is strong enough to keep |
| Root-end surgery (apicoectomy) | A small procedure to clean and seal the root tip through the gum | When the canal cannot be reached from the top, for example under a good post and crown |
| Extraction and replacement | Remove the tooth and replace it with an implant or bridge | A cracked root or too little tooth left to restore |
Keeping your own tooth is usually the simpler and lower-cost option when it can be saved. The specialist will tell you honestly whether the tooth can be saved before you decide. See also implant vs bridge vs denture.
Treated by a restorative dentistry specialist
Dr Ho Yee Mun is our in-house restorative dentistry specialist, registered on the National Specialist Register. She holds a Bachelor of Dental Surgery from Universiti Malaya and a Master of Restorative Dentistry from Universiti Sains Malaysia, and was the restorative specialist at Klinik Pergigian Tawau before joining Qualiteeth. Her main interest is endodontics: complex root canal treatment, re-treatment of failed root canals and rebuilding heavily damaged teeth. Learn when to see a restorative specialist.
How much does root canal re-treatment cost?
- Root canal treatment at Qualiteeth starts from RM700.
- Re-treatment usually costs more than a first root canal, because the old filling has to be removed and the canals are often harder to reach. The cost depends on the tooth (front teeth have one canal, molars three or four) and how complex it is.
- A crown afterwards starts from RM700.
After the X-ray assessment, the full cost is explained before treatment begins.
Specialist appointments near you in the Klang Valley
Our specialists visit all Qualiteeth branches by appointment, so you can be seen close to home:
- Kepong & KL North: Kepong (Taman Sri Bintang), Kepong Baru, Desa Aman Puri, Jinjang Selatan
- Selayang, Gombak & Rawang: Selayang, Gombak, Rawang, Anggun City Rawang
- Sungai Buloh & Damansara: Sungai Buloh, Bandar Sri Damansara
- Petaling Jaya & Shah Alam: Aman Suria, PJ, SS3 Taman Universiti, Subang Murni
- Cheras & Serdang: Cheras, Olive Hill, Seri Kembangan
Book an appointment and tell us you would like to see a specialist. The branch will confirm the date on WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Can a failed root canal be redone?
Yes. Many teeth with a failed root canal can be saved with re-treatment, as long as the tooth is not cracked and there is enough healthy tooth left to restore.
Is root canal re-treatment successful?
Re-treatment has a good success rate when the cause, such as a missed canal or leakage, can be found and corrected. The specialist will explain your tooth’s outlook after the assessment.
Is it better to re-treat or remove the tooth and get an implant?
If the tooth can be saved, re-treatment and a crown usually cost less than an implant and keep your natural tooth. If the root is cracked or too weak, an implant or bridge is the better choice.
Who does root canal re-treatment at Qualiteeth?
Failed and complex root canals are treated by Dr Ho Yee Mun, our restorative dentistry specialist registered on the National Specialist Register.
Does re-treatment hurt?
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.
How much does root canal re-treatment cost in KL?
Root canal treatment starts from RM700. Re-treatment usually costs more and depends on the tooth and its complexity; the full cost is given after the X-ray assessment.
This page gives general information and is not a diagnosis. Your dentist will advise on suitable treatment after an examination. Prices are starting prices; the full cost is explained before treatment begins.