Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic Retreatment
With proper care, most teeth that have received endodontic treatment can last as long as your other natural teeth. However, in some cases, a treated tooth may not heal as expected, or pain may persist or return months—or even years—after treatment. When this happens, endodontic retreatment may be recommended to help save the tooth.
Why Might a Tooth Need Retreatment?
A tooth may not heal properly for several reasons, including:
- Curved or narrow canals that were not treated during the initial procedure.
- Complex canal anatomy that went undetected during the original treatment.
- A crown or other permanent restoration was not placed promptly after the procedure.
- A crown or restoration did not provide a complete seal, allowing bacteria to re-enter the tooth.
New Problems Can Also Affect a Previously Treated Tooth
Even a tooth that was successfully treated can develop new problems, such as:
- New decay that exposes the root canal filling material to bacteria, leading to infection.
- A cracked tooth or a loose filling or crown that allows bacteria to enter the tooth.
What Happens During Retreatment?
If retreatment is the best option, your endodontist will reopen the tooth to access the root canal filling material. The existing filling material is carefully removed so the root canals can be cleaned, disinfected, and thoroughly examined.
After the canals have been cleaned and evaluated, they are refilled and sealed, and a temporary filling is placed in the tooth.
After Your Retreatment
It is important to return to your restorative dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other permanent restoration placed. This final restoration helps protect the tooth, restore its strength and function, and reduce the risk of future problems.