Endodontic Retreatment

With appropriate care, an endodontically (root canal) treated tooth can last for as long as a natural tooth.  Occasionally, however, the infection around the tooth that underwent endodontic treatment may not heal or pain and discomfort may persist.  In some rare cases, a tooth may respond well to primary treatment only to have the disease return months or years afterward.

In many of these cases, Endodontic Retreatment may be helpful to repair your tooth.

Endodontic retreatment involves re-opening your previously root canal-treated tooth to gain access to the existing root canal filling material.  The inside of the tooth is carefully examined under a microscope for the possible presence of cracks or previously, unlocated root canals.  Then, the old root canal filling material is carefully removed, and the root canals are cleaned and re-filled.

To maximize success of re-treatment, the procedure is often performed over the course of two visits.   During the initial treatment visit, the tooth is re-accessed, the old root filling material is retrieved, and any, previously unlocated root canal anatomy is identified.  The root canals are cleaned, and a medicine is placed inside of the root canals.  This medicine remains inside of a tooth for 2-4 weeks, usually, or until one’s symptoms largely subside if not completely resolve.  Then, during the second treatment visit, the medicine is rinsed from the root canal space, and new root canal filling material is placed in the root canal space.

Our goal is to provide the most predictable treatment possible.  If we believe that endodontic re-treatment is not the best option, given various clinical and/or radiographic findings, we will inform you, as well as discuss alternative treatment options for you.  Your health is our priority.