Root Canal Retreatment

Teeth that have gone through a root canal procedure can last a
lifetime but sometimes proper healing doesn’t happen. If the patient is
in pain a root canal retreatment can be done. A root canal can fail
months or years after the procedure. Sometimes new problems develop in
the tooth. Your endodontist will recommend retreatment to save you from
the pain. There are several reasons that can cause the failure of a root
canal procedure. Some of them are;

• Existence of narrow canals that were not treated

• Complicated canal anatomy that was not detected

• Delayed crown placement

• Occurrence of salivary contamination

Sometimes everything was done right in the initial procedure but new
problems develop such as a new crack or fracture.

Is root canal retreatment right for you?

Your endodontist will do an evaluation and answer your question but
here’s what you need to know.

• Root canal retreatment is the best way to preserve your natural
  teeth after a failed root canal procedure.

• Root canal retreatments can last a lifetime or at least a good
  number of years.

• Dental technologies keep on advancing so this means that your
  retreatment may use advanced technologies that were not available at the
  time you had your root canal.

• All procedures have a certain degree of risk, and that’s why your
  endodontist will discuss the specifics with you before beginning your
  treatment.

How is root canal retreatment done?

During retreatment, your endodontist will disassemble your tooth to
gain access to the root. This involves removing the crown.

Your endodontist will then use magnification and illumination tools
to examine your problem.

They will clean your canals and also find any narrow or curved canals
that might have been skipped in your initial procedure.

After cleaning your canals, your endodontist will place a temporary
filling and tell you when you need to return to your dentist for crown
placement.

The cost of your treatment will depend on many factors such as the
extent of the problem and the duration of the treatment. Your
endodontist will discuss the cost implications and any insurance
coverage. To find out if you require retreatment, call our
endodontists.