Retreatment
Retreatment is a procedure used to clean the canals of a tooth that has already been subject to a root canal. While most root canals are successful the first time, there are a few reasons why retreatment might be necessary. For instance, some teeth have extra canals that weren’t visible or reachable during the initial procedure. In other cases, a new infection can develop due to a loose crown, damaged filling, or another issue.
Sometimes, these complications show up right after the initial root canal if the tooth doesn’t heal fully or pain continues. For others, problems might arise years later, even if the tooth felt fine initially. The goal of retreatment is the same as the original root canal: to completely eliminate bacteria from inside the tooth and seal it securely to protect against future infections.
A retreated root canal can allow a natural tooth to last many years or even a lifetime. Successful root canal retreatment is indeed a realistic goal, as confirmed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). While no dental procedure is guaranteed to be successful in every case, the majority of patients who undergo root canal retreatment experience positive, long-lasting outcomes, helping them preserve their natural tooth for years to come
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS...
Do I need a retreatment or should I have my tooth extracted?
If your root canal treatment was unsuccessful or a new infection has developed in a previously treated tooth, retreatment can offer a second chance to save your tooth without the need for extraction. If it’s been many years since your initial root canal, advanced techniques and tools now available to your endodontist may provide new options that weren’t possible during your first treatment. Our endodontist will complete a thorough evaluation to determine if retreatment is right for you.
What should I expect during a retreatment?
The procedure will begin by carefully reopening your tooth to remove the original filling material. Special tools will then be used to locate any hidden canals or infected areas that may have been missed initially. These areas will be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and refilled to eliminate any lingering infection. Once your retreatment is complete, you’ll return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed to protect and strengthen the tooth.
What are the after-care instructions following a retreatment?
Similar to your initial root canal, it’s important to avoid chewing or biting on the treated tooth until your dentist completes the final restoration. You may experience some mild discomfort after the procedure, which typically subsides within a few days.