The Basics:
Root Canal Retreatment is a procedure performed when a tooth either fails to heal following root canal therapy or becomes re-infected. During retreatment, the old root canal filling material is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned thoroughly. At the end of the procedure, the tooth is sealed with a biocompatible filling material to help protect against future infection.
The Details:
Root Canal Therapy has a very high success rate. However, as with any medical procedure, there are reasons why a Root Canal Therapy may need a revision. Two of the most common reasons are 1) anatomy that was missed during the original treatment, or 2) re-infection of the tooth through failing restorations (crowns/fillings).
Missed Anatomy:
It is possible that portions of the pulp space/root canal system may have been missed during the initial therapy. Missed anatomy leaves space for bacteria to thrive and re-infect the tooth long after the first treatment was completed. Endodontists have the training and experience to identify these problems and additionally have access to technologies (including the Surgical Microscope and 3D CBCT Imaging) to assist with addressing any parts of your tooth that might have been missed. More often than not, when this missed anatomy is identified, cleaned, and disinfected, the tooth can be saved. Learn more about our cutting edge endodontic technology.
Failing Restorations:
Alternatively, a tooth may become re-infected if the restoration in the tooth (crown or filling) begins to break down. Saliva leakage under old restorations allows bacteria to penetrate deep into the tooth, ultimately leading to re-infection of the root canal system. The same concept applies to teeth that never received a filling or permanent crown after the initial Root Canal Therapy was completed. When we complete your treatment, we place a temporary filling in the tooth to protect the root canal system until you can go back to your general dentist for a permanent filling or crown. When this is not done in a timely manner (usually within a month), it can lead to re-infection of the tooth and result in the need for Root Canal Retreatment.
The Good News:
Regardless of the cause of infection, Root Canal Retreatment can help you retain and continue to bite or chew with your natural tooth. The procedure starts with the careful removal of the old filling material from the root canal system. Any missed anatomy in the tooth is identified and addressed. The entire root canal system is then cleaned and disinfected. Depending on the severity of infection, Root Canal Retreatment may be completed over more than one visit and could involve a medication being placed inside the tooth to help eliminate bacteria. At the end of the procedure, the root canal system is sealed with biocompatible materials that help to prevent your tooth from becoming re-infected in the future.
