Endodontic Retreatment
With proper care, teeth that have undergone root canal treatment can last as long as natural teeth. However, in some cases, a previously treated tooth may not heal as expected, or symptoms such as pain, sensitivity, or swelling may return months—or even years—after the initial procedure. When this occurs, endodontic retreatment may be recommended to address the underlying issue and help preserve the natural tooth.
Why a Root Canal May Fail to Heal Properly
Several factors can prevent complete healing after root canal therapy, including:
• Curved or narrow canals that were difficult to fully clean during the initial treatment
• Complex or hidden canals that went undetected
• Delayed placement of a crown or final restoration, allowing bacteria to re-enter the tooth
• Leaking or damaged crowns or fillings that permit saliva and bacteria to contaminate the root canal system. Even with modern techniques, these challenges can sometimes only become apparent over time.
Inflamed Tissue
Filling Removed
Canals Cleaned
Root Material Placed
Filling Restored
Healed Tooth
In some cases, new problems can influence a tooth that was successfully treated:
- New decay can expose a root canal filling material, causing infection.
- A cracked or loose filling or crown can expose the tooth to new infection.
Once retreatment has been selected as a solution to your problem, the doctors will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. This restorative material will be removed to enable access to the root canal. The doctors will now clean your canals and carefully examine the inside of the problematic tooth. Once cleaned, the doctors will fill and seal the canals and place a temporary filling in the tooth.
At this point, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible in order to have a new crown or restoration placed on the tooth to restore full functionality.