If root canal treatment is unsuccessful, options include re-treatment (nonsurgical retreatment), reopening the tooth to clean and refill the canals; surgical intervention (apicoectomy) to remove the root tip and re-seal the canal; or, if the tooth cannot be saved, extraction of the tooth and replacement with a prosthesis such as an implant or bridge.
What to do if root canal treatment fails?
Updated on: July 18, 2025
