Root Canal Retreatment

If you have done a root canal procedure before and suspect
reinfection, talk to your endodontist today. You still have a second
chance to preserve your natural teeth.

Root canal retreatment is a procedure done after the failure of an
initial root canal treatment or when a new infection has developed on a
previously treated tooth.

Root canal treatments rarely fail but like any other dental
procedure, chances of failure cannot be completely eliminated.

A root canal treatment may fail because of one or more of the
following reasons:

• Narrow or curved canals were difficult to treat.

• Complicated canal anatomy that was either disregarded or
  undetected during the initial treatment.

• Delayed placement of a crown or definitive restoration that
  results in reinfection of the root canal system.

• New decay/broken filling/fracture/crack which exposes the root
  canal filling to bacteria.

• Resistant bacteria that often require more specialized
  management

Why would I need a root canal retreatment?

You may require a root canal retreatment:

• If you are experiencing pain in a previously treated
  tooth

• If you have an abscess on a previously treated tooth

Root canal treatment and root canal retreatment are similar
procedures but the latter takes more time and steps to complete.

Is root canal retreatment good for me?

Retreatment is sometimes your only way of saving your tooth. Your
endodontist will discuss other treatment options such as endodontic
surgery depending on the tooth complication you have.

What to expect with root canal retreatment

Your endodontist will discuss your treatment options and once you
agree on a root canal retreatment:

• The first step in the root canal retreatment procedure involves
  reopening the tooth to gain access to the root canal system.

• Your endodontist uses magnification and illumination to examine
  the inside of your tooth after removing your existing filling.

• Your endodontist then cleans the inside of your tooth and places
  a temporary filling which will be removed once restoration has
  occurred.

• You will then need to visit your dentist for crown placement if
  the existing crown has been damaged.

The cost of a root canal retreatment depends on individual
circumstances. Call us if you would like to discuss your concerns with
our orthodontists.