Failed Root Canal on X-Ray | Symptoms & What To Do Next

Can You See a Failed Root Canal on X-Ray? Signs, Symptoms, and What to Do Next A root canal can be a real lifesaver for a damaged or infected tooth. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned—and the treatment might fail. The question is: Can you see a failed root canal on X-ray? And what other signs should you look for? Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand—even if you’re not a dentist—and explore what to expect before and after, especially for a front tooth root canal , and how to spot symptoms like headaches or sinus infections that may signal a problem. Can You See a Failed Root Canal on X-Ray? Yes, in most cases, a failed root canal can be detected on a dental X-ray . Dentists look for signs like: Dark shadows near the root tip (indicative of infection or inflammation) Widened periodontal ligament space Signs of bone loss around the treated area Missed canals or incomplete filling of the root While X-rays are a key diagnostic tool, they’re not foolproof . Some sy...