Last Updated on April 23, 2026 by tanya

Can You Claim for a Failed Root Canal?

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Negligence Compensation

If you have undergone a root canal treatment that has gone wrong, your next question may be ‘can you claim for a failed root canal?’ A failed root canal can leave you with pain, infection, extra treatment costs and potentially long-term oral issues. If this was due to a substandard level of care, you may be eligible to claim compensation for clinical negligence.

However, it’s important to know that not all failed root canals will be due to negligence. Complications can arise regardless of the dentist’s best effort. But if your treatment fell below the standard expected of a competent dentist, you may have grounds for a claim.

As clinical negligence cases may be complex, contact our team at First Personal Injury – we work with lawyers who are highly experienced in clinical negligence. They work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and can give you a free initial, assessment.

 

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a common dental procedure designed to treat an infection at the centre of a tooth. During the treatment, the dentist removes bacteria from the root canal system, fills the space, and seals the tooth. When performed correctly, it can save the tooth and prevent further complications.

But root canals may sometimes fail because:

 

Incomplete cleaning: If the dentist fails to fully remove the bacteria or infected tissue.

Improper sealing: If the tooth is not properly filled or sealed, bacteria can re-enter.

Missed root canals: Some teeth have more canals than expected, and if one is missed, the infection may persist.

Fractures: The tooth can crack during or after the procedure, leading to failure.

 

What Counts as Clinical Negligence in Dentistry?

To bring a claim for a failed root canal, you need to prove clinical negligence. This means showing that your dentist provided substandard care and that this directly caused you harm.

Clinical negligence in root canal treatment may include:

 

Failure to diagnose or treat an infection properly.

Using incorrect techniques or tools.

Not warning you about the risks of the procedure.

Missing root canals during the treatment.

Causing avoidable damage to the tooth, surrounding tissue, or nerves.

Failing to provide adequate follow-up care.

 

If your dentist made an error that another competent dentist would not have made, and you suffered as a result, you may be able to make a dental negligence claim.

 

Can You Claim for a Failed Root Canal?

Yes, you can claim compensation if your root canal failed due to dental negligence. The claim is not just about the failed procedure itself – it covers the impact it has had on your life. This might include:

 

Ongoing pain and suffering.

Additional treatment costs (for retreatment, extractions, or implants).

Loss of earnings if you had to take time off work.

Psychological distress caused by the ordeal.

 

Every case is unique, and success depends on the strength of your evidence. Dental negligence solicitors usually work with independent dental experts to assess whether your care was negligent.

 

Time Limits for Dental Negligence Claims

One of the most important things to know is that there are strict time limits for making a claim:

 

General rule: You have three years from the date of the negligence or from when you first became aware that negligence had occurred.

Children: If the patient was under 18 at the time, the three-year time limit does not start until their 18th birthday. They therefore have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim.

Mental capacity: If the patient lacks mental capacity, the time limit may not apply until capacity is regained.

 

It’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible, as gathering dental records, expert reports, and evidence can take time.

 

How to Start a Dental Negligence Claim for a Failed Root Canal

If you think you have a claim, here are the steps typically involved:

 

1. Seek independent advice: Contact us as we partner with specialist dental negligence solicitors who can assess your case.

2. Gather evidence: This may include dental records, X-rays, receipts for treatment, and a diary of your symptoms.

3. Expert opinion: Your solicitor will usually instruct an independent dental expert to give an opinion on whether your care was negligent.

4. Letter of claim: Your solicitor will send a formal letter to the dentist or dental practice, setting out your case.

5. Negotiation or court: Many claims are settled through negotiation, but some may go to court if liability is disputed.

 

What Compensation Can You Expect?

The amount of compensation depends on the severity of the negligence and the impact on your life. Compensation is usually split into two parts:

General damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life.

Special damages: For financial losses, such as further dental treatment, travel expenses, and loss of earnings.

For example, if you needed corrective surgery, dental implants, or suffered long-term complications, your claim may be worth more.

 

Why Legal Advice is Crucial

Dental negligence claims can be complicated. Proving negligence requires expert knowledge of dental procedures and legal principles. A clinical negligence solicitor can:

 

Assess whether your claim has merit.

Arrange for an independent dental expert to support your case.

Negotiate with insurers on your behalf.

Guide you through the claims process with clarity and confidence.

 

A No Win, No Fee agreement, means you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful.

 

Start Your Claim Today

A failed root canal can be stressful, painful, and costly. While not every failure is caused by negligence, many cases arise from errors that could have been avoided. If you believe your dentist’s care was negligent, you may have a strong claim for compensation.

Our friendly team at First Personal Injury can guide you through the process to get the compensation you deserve. We work with experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Call us at 0333 358 2345 or contact us online for a free consultation.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult with a medical professional and a qualified solicitor to understand your specific circumstances.