[A root canal treatment that has proved to be ineffective: considerations, possibilities and choices]

If a root canal treatment has proved to be ineffective, different treatment options are possible. It starts, however, with the discussion whether the tooth can or should be saved. Many considerations play a role in this choice: the clinical and radiographic findings, the professional's ideas, the patient, the scientific insights that alter the value of various factors during evaluation and the availability of a good alternative treatment. All these factors must be carefully weighed in order to reach a well-balanced decision with the patient. Simple extraction and replacement is not supported by the literature.