What is an endodontic retreatment?

With the appropriate care, teeth that have had endodontic treatment will last as long as other natural teeth. Yet, a tooth that has received treatment may fail to to heal or pain may continue to persist. Sometimes, the pain may occur months or years after treatment. If so, endodontic retreatment may be needed.

Reasons

• The crown or restoration was not placed in a timely manner following the procedure.

• Improper crown or restoration seal to prevent saliva bacterial contamination.

• New decay re-exposing root canal filling material, causing infection.

• Cracked or loose filling or crown exposing the tooth to new infection.

• Curved or narrow canals were unable to be treated during the initial treatment.

• Complicated canals went undetected during the initial treatment.

Steps

• The patient undergoes local anesthesia.

• Tooth is reopened for access to the root canal filling material.

• Previous root canal filling material is removed, and canals are cleaned and examined.

• The tooth is filled again with cutting edge biocompatible filling material.

• A temporary covering is used to cover the access opening.

• Following a recovery period, the patient will return to referring dentist for the placement of a permanent restoration.