An expertly performed root canal treatment makes it possible to put a stop to the infection in your tooth that is causing you pain. Unfortunately, while the treatment is very reliable, it is not completely foolproof, as problems can occasionally still occur in the treated tooth afterwards. If this happens, you might need a root canal retreatment. Below is a closer look at why this additional endodontic procedure may be required as well as what you can expect from the process.
Reasons for Needing a Root Canal Retreatment
During a regular root canal treatment, infected or damaged pulp tissue is removed from your tooth. Afterwards, the inside of said tooth is cleaned to make sure that there’s no harmful bacteria remaining. Then the empty space is filled with a special biocompatible substance, and a dental crown is typically placed for the tooth’s protection.
So, why might this procedure need to be redone? In certain cases, the following issues can occur:
- Overlooked Bacteria: If the treated tooth has any hard-to-reach canals that were not properly cleaned during the initial endodontic procedure, some bacteria could still be present.
- Additional Decay or Damage: Your enamel could develop a new cavity, or it could become cracked. Either of these issues can give harmful bacteria a chance to enter and reinfect the tooth.
- Delayed Restoration: It’s best to have a dental crown placed as promptly as possible after a root canal treatment. If you don’t, a new infection could easily occur.
What Happens During Root Canal Retreatment?
First, your dentist will need to carefully examine the tooth in question and determine whether root canal retreatment is truly necessary. If it is, you can expect it to involve the following steps:
- A local anesthetic will be administered to help you stay comfortable during the procedure.
- The crown on the tooth will be removed, and a new opening in the enamel will be created. The filling material that was previously placed will be taken out.
- The inside of the tooth will be thoroughly cleaned. Special attention will be given to any canals that may not have been properly disinfected during the initial procedure.
- Once the cleaning process is complete, new filling material can be placed. Afterward, it may be possible to put your old crown back on your tooth; in certain cases, however, a new one might be required.
Having a root canal retreatment performed could mean all the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. If anything has gone wrong with a tooth that previously received a root canal, it is best to let your dentist know right away so that you can get the care your smile needs as quickly as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Shane Smith went to the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for his dental education, and he has gained extensive experience working at dental practices across Northeast Arkansas, Southeast Missouri, and Memphis. His current practice in Jonesboro offers a comprehensive menu of services that includes tooth-saving root canal treatments. If you’re suffering from a toothache that you believe is caused by an infection, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Smith by visiting his website, using his online scheduling tool, or calling (870) 932-2644.