Retreated teeth can function well for years, even for a lifetime. It's always best to save the tooth if your endodontist believes retreatment is the best option for you. Advances in technology are constantly changing the way root canal treatment is performed, so your endodontist may even be able to use a new technique that was not available when you had your first procedure. Of course, there are no guarantees with any dental or medical procedure. Your endodontist will discuss your options and the chances of success before beginning retreatment.
About the Procedure
Why do I need another endodontic procedure?
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 crown or restoration was not placed soon enough after the procedure
- The restoration did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth
Problems that can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated:
- New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth
- A loose, cracked, or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection
- Trauma causing root fracturing
- Coronal leakage
What will happen during the endodontic retreatment?
First, the endodontist will discuss your treatment options. If you and your endodontist choose retreatment, the endodontist will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material
In many cases, complex restorative materials — crown, post, and core material — must be disassembled and removed to permit access to the root canals.
After removing the canal filling, the endodontist can clean the canals and carefully examine the inside of your tooth, searching for any additional canals or unusual anatomy that requires treatment.
After cleaning the canal(s), the endodontist will fill and seal the canal(s) and place a temporary filling in the tooth. Post space may also be prepared at this time.
After the final visit with your endodontist, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.
If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, your endodontist may recommend endodontic surgery. This surgery involves making an incision near the end of the root to allow the tip of the root to be sealed.