Teeth with previous endodontic treatment can last as long as natural, untreated teeth. However, a tooth that has received treatment may not heal or may continue to have painful symptoms. Sometimes, pain or other signs of failure may occur months or even years after treatment. If so, an endodontic retreatment may be necessary.

A tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:

•Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure

•Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure

•The placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment

•The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth

•New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth

•A loose, cracked or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection

•A tooth sustains a fracture

What Is Involved In Root Canal Retreatment?

During retreatment, we will re-open your tooth and remove the existing filling materials that were placed in the root canals during the first procedure. We will carefully examines the tooth under microscopic illumination and magnification, looking for additional canals or signs of a new infection. We then remove the sources of infection, clean and shape the canals, and place a new filling material in the root. The opening is then sealed with a temporary filling. Once the tooth heals, a new crown or other restoration is placed by your general dentist to protect the tooth.