What If a Root Canal Treatment Was Left Incomplete?

A properly performed root canal treatment is meant to clean out infected pulp tissue inside a tooth, seal the canals, and prevent further bacterial contamination. Once complete, a protective restoration—usually a dental crown—is placed over the treated tooth to restore its function and integrity.

But what if the root canal was never finished?

If a root canal is left incomplete, it can lead to serious complications. Infection may re-enter the tooth, spread to surrounding tissue, and potentially result in severe pain, abscess formation, or even bone loss.

What Can Happen If a Root Canal Is Only Partially Completed?

An incomplete root canal means the tooth was never fully disinfected, sealed, or restored. In this case, the pulp chamber and root canals may still harbor bacteria, leaving the area vulnerable to reinfection. Some potential risks include:

Recurrent or worsening tooth pain
Infection that spreads to the surrounding bone or neighboring teeth
Swelling in the gums or face
Pus drainage or abscess formation
Fever or general feeling of illness
Tooth discoloration or fracture

In some cases, patients may not even realize their treatment was unfinished until they begin to feel pain weeks—or even years—later.

If this sounds familiar, you may need a root canal retreatment to correct the issue and save your tooth.

How Does Infection Spread from an Incomplete Root Canal?

When a tooth is not fully sealed, bacteria can re-enter through the open canals and travel deep into the root system. This allows infection to reach:

The surrounding bone structure
Adjacent teeth
Facial tissue or even the sinuses

In extreme cases, untreated dental infections may lead to systemic health issues, including jawbone deterioration or life-threatening infections if bacteria enter the bloodstream.

Learn more in our article:
Does a Failed Root Canal Mean It’s Time for a Dental Implant?

Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

If you had a root canal in the past and experience any of the following symptoms, it’s critical to seek care immediately:

Throbbing or sharp pain in or around the treated tooth
Tenderness when biting or chewing
Swollen gums or cheeks
A bad taste or odor in the mouth
Visible swelling or pus near the tooth
Fever, chills, or swollen lymph nodes

These signs may indicate a dental emergency. At Arlington Endodontics, we offer emergency root canal care and flexible scheduling to help relieve pain fast.

How We Treat Incomplete Root Canals at Arlington Endodontics

If you suspect your root canal wasn’t completed—or if the symptoms have returned—Dr. Bryan Eslinger and our experienced team can help. We provide:

Advanced 3D imaging and diagnostic tools
Microscopic endodontics for greater accuracy
Comfortable, patient-focused care in a relaxing environment
Prompt scheduling for urgent cases

Our goal is to eliminate pain, stop the infection, and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible. In many cases, a retreatment or apicoectomy (surgical endodontic procedure) may be required to fully resolve the issue.

Don’t Wait — Incomplete Root Canals Can Become Emergencies

Delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain, bone loss, or tooth extraction. If you're unsure whether your previous root canal was completed or are experiencing symptoms, let us evaluate your case and recommend the right course of action.

We also offer online forms and first-visit information to help make your visit as seamless as possible.
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Schedule an Appointment Today

At Arlington Endodontics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex root canal issues—even those caused by incomplete or failed treatments. Our practice serves Palatine, Arlington Heights, and surrounding northwest suburbs.

Arlington Endodontics
504 N Plum Grove Rd., Palatine, IL 60067
Phone: (224) 230-4972
Email: info@arlington-endodontics.com
Hours: Mon–Thu: 8 AM–5 PM | Fri: 8 AM–3 PM

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