Endodontic Retreatment

What Is Endodontic Retreatment?

Root canal retreatments are necessary when a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy fails to heal properly or develops new infection. There are several reasons why a root canal treatment might not be successful initially, leading to the need for retreatment.

A male endodontist reviewing an x-ray with a female patient before an endodontic retreatment

Potential Reasons for Endodontic Retreatment:

  • Persistent Infection from residual bacteria.
  • New infection from bacteria from a new cavity reaching the root canal filling.
  • New infection from a broken or fractured tooth or defective crown or filling.
  • Compromised healing due to the patient’s overall health, immune response, or the presence of other underlying dental issues.
  • Complications during initial treatment.

How to Know If You Need Endodontic Retreatment

If you notice sensitivity, pain, swelling or tenderness, or discharge in the area around your treated tooth, you may be in need of a retreatment. The process is essentially the same as traditional root canal therapy:

Step 1: Local anesthesia is administered to numb the affected area to ensure a comfortable and pain-free procedure.

Step 2: The endodontist creates an opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp and root canals.

Step 3: The diseased or dead pulp is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals.

Step 4: The inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and prevent further infection.

Step 5: The canals are then shaped to prepare them for filling.

Step 6: The cleaned and shaped canals are sealed to prevent re-infection.

Step 7: A temporary filling is placed to close the opening in the tooth. The root canal treatment is complete.

Step 8: After the root canal treatment, you’ll return to your general dentist for a permanent filling or a crown to protect the tooth and restore its function.