Endodontic Retreatment

With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn't heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, you have a second chance. An additional procedure may be able to support healing and save your tooth. If you have pain or discomfort in a previously treated tooth, talk to us about retreatment.

Why do I need another endodontic procedure?

As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:

• Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure.
  
• Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.
  
• The placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment.
  
• The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth.
  

In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example:

• New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth.
• A loose, cracked or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection.
• A tooth sustains a fracture.

During retreatment, we will reopen your tooth and remove the filling materials that were placed in the root canals during the first procedure. We will then carefully examine the tooth under a surgical microscope, looking for additional canals or new infection. The tooth will then be thoroughly cleaned and shaped and a new filling will be placed down the canals. The opening is then sealed with a temporary filling. Once the tooth heals, a new crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it.


Read more about endodontic retreatment and whether it's right for you.