Root Canal Retreatment

With the appropriate care, your teeth that have had endodontic (root canal) treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. Occasionally, the infection around the tooth that undergone endodontic treatment may not heal or pain may continue despite therapy.  In some rare cases, the tooth may respond well to treatment only to have the disease return months or years after treatment.   

In many of these cases Endodontic Retreatment may be helpful to repair your tooth. 

If Endodontic Retreatment has been selected for your tooth; We will re-open your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material.  We will then carefully examine and clean the inside of the root canals.  To provide the best results possible our doctors will often leave a disinfecting medication in your tooth.  Once this medication has done its job, and only after we see signs of improvement, our doctors will place a new root canal filling to re-seal your tooth.  Our goal is providing the most predictable treatment possible.  If we decide that endodontic treatment is not the best option for you we will always let you know.  Your health is our priority.

New dental trauma, a new cavity, decay under the crown, a broken filling, or a crack in the tooth can allow contaminated saliva to leak into the tooth and cause a new infection inside your tooth. In addition, if you did not have a final restoration (usually a crown or permanent filling) placed soon after your previous root canal treatment the tooth may also be more prone to reinfection. This infection can contaminate the prior root canal filling inside your tooth. In some cases, if an infected tooth is not healing Dr. Saidha may discover an additional canal or very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during your initial procedure. These complex conditions may require the skills and technology of an endodontist.

Before we begin treatment Dr. Saidha will review the treatment plan for your tooth along with follow-up care instructions. In most cases, we recommend that you call your restorative dentist as soon as possible to make your follow-up appointment. It is recommended that you have your permanent restoration placed 2-3 weeks after your root canal treatment. This gives your tooth time to heal, but not longer than one month after the procedure. This step is imperative for the long-term prognosis of your tooth. Without a final restoration to protect the tooth it is at risk for fracture or re-infection.

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