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Root Canal Re–Treatment
With proper care, most teeth that have had endodontic (root canal) treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. In some cases, however, a tooth that has received endodontic treatment fails to heal. Occasionally, the tooth becomes painful and diseased months or even years after successful treatment.
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 restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth.
Sometimes a new problem can develop in a tooth that was successfully treated during the initial procedure. These include:
- A fracture occurs.
- New decay develops, exposing the canal to bacteria and a new infection.
- Infection can occur if the crown or filling becomes loose or cracked
If retreatment is necessary, using a microscope, we will reopen the tooth. After extracting the filling material, the canals will be thoroughly cleaned and carefully examined to see if additional canals are present that require treatment.
Once the canals are comprehensively cleaned, we will place a temporary filling. If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, we may recommend endodontic surgery. After retreatment is completed, within two to five weeks, you will need to see your dentist for the final restoration. If possible, preserving your natural tooth is always the best option. Teeth that have been restored with a filling or crown can last for years, even a lifetime.
