Sometimes infection or symptoms persist after root canal treatment or recur years later. This can be due to bacteria that survived the initial treatment or leaked into the space over time. Sometimes the initial treatment did not treat the entire root canal system. Often a root canal retreatment can be completed to address these problems, clear up infection, and save the tooth.
A retreatment of a previous root canal treatment involves opening up the tooth to access the root canal space, removal of previous filling material, and a more thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the root canal space. Once the tooth has been properly treated the canal space will be sealed again.
Similar to the initial root canal treatment a filling will be placed in the access. If a temporary filling is placed proper follow up with your dentist is needed.
Endodontic retreatment is a second root canal on a tooth that was previously treated but did not heal or has become reinfected. The endodontist reopens the tooth, removes the old filling material, cleans and disinfects the canals again, addresses any deficiencies with the initial treatment, and reseals the tooth to give it a second chance at healing.
A root canal can fail due to new decay, a cracked or leaking crown or filling, a canal that was missed or not fully cleaned the first time, or complex root anatomy. Bacteria can re-enter the tooth months or even years after the original treatment if not properly sealed.
Warning signs include pain or tenderness when biting on a tooth that already had a root canal, swelling, a pimple or drainage on the gum, or sometimes just a dull ache. Some failures show no symptoms and are found on X-rays. If you live in Naples, Estero, or Bonita Springs and have any of these symptoms, call (239) 593-8844.
In most cases, yes. Retreatment preserves your natural tooth, which generally looks, feels, and functions better than a replacement. It is also usually less invasive and less costly than extraction followed by an implant.
Retreatment is typically more involved. The endodontist must remove the existing filling material, and search for missed or hidden canals. 3D CBCT imaging helps pinpoint the cause of failure. You may need a new crown afterward.
If retreatment is not possible, such as when a post or crown would be difficult to remove, an apicoectomy (root-end surgery) may save the tooth instead. Dr. Talbott or Dr. Shwedel will review both options during your consultation.
