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root canal Retreatment

If you require root canal retreatment, you can rely on the skilled team at Dental World. With extensive experience in endodontic care, we ensure a smooth, comfortable procedure from start to finish. Your oral health and comfort are our top priorities.

What is Root Canal retreatment?

Root canal retreatment is a dental procedure performed when a previously treated root canal fails to heal properly or develops new infection. This can happen due to incomplete cleaning of the canals, new decay, a cracked tooth, or a loose restoration allowing bacteria to re-enter.

With proper care, teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. However, there are instances where the treated tooth may fail to heal or where pain continues. Occasionally, pain may resurface months or even years after the treatment, necessitating Endodontic Retreatment.

Improper healing may be attributed to:

  • Curved or narrow canals that were not addressed during the initial procedure.
  • Complex canals that went unnoticed during the initial treatment.
  • Delay in placing the crown or restoration after the procedure.
  • The crown or restoration failing to prevent saliva from contaminating the interior of the tooth.

If you have pain or signs of infection after a root canal, root canal retreatment may be necessary. Contact us today for an evaluation!

In some instances, new issues can affect a previously treated tooth:

  • New decay may expose the root canal filling material, leading to infection.
  • A cracked or loose filling or crown can make the tooth susceptible to new infection.

If retreatment is chosen as the solution, your doctors will reopen the tooth to access the root canal filling material. This restorative material will be removed to allow access to the root canal. The doctors will then clean the canals and carefully examine the inside of the problematic tooth. After cleaning, the canals will be filled and sealed, and a temporary filling will be placed in the tooth.

At this point, it is essential to visit your dentist promptly to have a new crown or restoration placed on the tooth, ensuring its full functionality is restored.

FAQ's

When do you need Root Canal Retreatment?

Sometimes, a tooth doesn’t heal as expected after a root canal, leading to pain or reinfection. Common reasons include:

  • Missed narrow or curved canals that weren’t fully treated.
  • Complex canal anatomy that remained undetected.
  • Delayed crown or filling placement, leaving the tooth exposed.
  • Salivary contamination due to a poorly sealed restoration.
endodontic-retreatment-tooth-abscess

Even after a successful root canal, new issues can put the tooth at risk, such as:

  • New decay exposing the root canal filling to bacteria, leading to reinfection.
  • A loose, cracked, or broken crown or filling, allowing bacteria to enter.
  • A tooth fracture, compromising its structure and health.

If root canal retreatment is needed, your endodontist will first discuss your options. If you proceed, the process includes:

  • Reopening the tooth to remove old root canal filling material. In some cases, a crown, post, or core material may need to be removed.
  • Thorough cleaning and examination using magnification to detect hidden canals or complex anatomy.
  • Refilling and sealing the canals, followed by placing a temporary filling. If canals are blocked, endodontic surgery may be required.
  • Final restoration—You’ll need to visit your dentist promptly for a new crown or filling to protect the tooth and restore function.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain after a root canal, contact us to see if retreatment is the right solution for you!

endodontic-retreatment-root-canal
  • Saving your natural tooth is always the best option when possible. Retreated teeth can last for years—or even a lifetime—with proper care.
  • Advancements in endodontic technology now allow for more precise and effective treatment than when your initial root canal was performed. Your endodontist may be able to resolve the issue with retreatment.
  • While no procedure is guaranteed, your endodontist will discuss your treatment options and the chances of success to help you make the best decision. Contact us today to explore your options!

If nonsurgical retreatment isn’t an option, endodontic surgery may be considered. This procedure involves making a small incision to access and treat the root tip.

In some cases, endodontic surgery may be recommended alongside retreatment or as an alternative. Your endodontist will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment option to save your tooth.

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