Sometimes, root canal therapy doesn’t go as planned. The treated tooth might not heal completely, or you could face post-treatment issues that put your tooth at risk. Root canal retreatment means carefully removing the old crown and filling materials, thoroughly cleaning the root canals again, and then refilling and recrowning the tooth. It’s much like the initial root canal procedure, except it starts with removing previous restorations. Typically, root canal retreatments have a success rate of about 75%.
Request an AppointmentChoosing root canal treatments and retreatments usually offers a better option than tooth extraction for many patients. If your tooth has solid bone support, a stable surface, and healthy gums underneath, the tooth has a strong chance of being saved. Going for root canal retreatment often costs less than alternatives like dental implants or bridgework, which can be pricey and require ongoing care. Plus, keeping your natural tooth often feels more comfortable and looks more natural than prosthetic replacements.
Why might root canal retreatment be necessary?
Although the idea of another endodontic procedure might sound daunting, root canal retreatment is generally straightforward and can be completed in one to three visits.
Sometimes root canal therapy doesn’t succeed due to reasons such as:
- Cracked crowns that let filling materials leak.
- Untreated curved or narrow canals missed initially.
- Delays in putting on permanent restorations after treatment.
- New tooth decay developing.
- Fresh cracks forming in the treated tooth.
- Saliva seeping into the tooth’s restoration.
- Complex canal anatomy not detected before.
What happens during root canal retreatment?
On retreatment day, a local anesthetic is given unless another anesthesia is chosen. The tooth is isolated with a rubber dam to keep bacteria and saliva away during treatment. How much can be done in one visit depends on inflammation levels and how complicated the case is.
The first step is to access the inside of the tooth. If there’s a crown and post, these will be removed carefully.
Then, the dentist removes old filling materials and any obstructions blocking the canals, often using an ultrasonic handpiece that vibrates away debris gently. Special tiny instruments clean and reshape the canals afterward. X-rays are taken to confirm thorough cleaning. If it’s a complicated case, medicated packing might be placed temporarily, and the cleaning continues at the next appointment.
Once the canals are clean, gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, is packed in to seal the canals and keep bacteria out. A temporary crown or filling is placed, with a permanent, color-matched crown fitting to follow later.
If you have questions or concerns about root canal retreatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to your trusted dentist at Huthwaite & Huthwaite DMD, PC.