Routine dental X-rays are not backed by evidence

A routine dental X-ray recently caught my failed root canal and the tooth needs to be extracted asap or I risk pain, huge swelling, and nerve damage.

I don't think anyone is arguing that routine x-rays don't ever find something that wouldn't otherwise be found. That would be a pretty amazing and surprising result. But it still can be the case that, for most situations, regular x-rays are not only unnecessary, but can be harmful too.

Have you considered having it retreated and have you received a second opinion from an endodontist?