Initial root canal therapy is highly successful in eliminating pulpal disease. In some cases, however, a tooth that has received treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to persist. In these cases, Endodontic Retreatment may be needed.
Persistent disease in a root canal treated tooth is often caused by one or more of the following: difficult root canal anatomy such as curved or narrow roots that were not treated during initial treatment, complicated canals that could not be located or thoroughly cleansed during initial treatment, a restoration that was not placed within the appropriate amount of time following the procedure, or a crown or filling that did not prevent saliva and bacteria from re-contaminating the root canals. New cavities or the loss of a filling or crown that exposes the root canal filling materials can also cause initially successful treatments to fail.
If a retreatment has been deemed necessary to eliminate persistent disease, the tooth will be reopened and the original root canal filling material will be removed. At this time, we will closely inspect your tooth for any additional canals or tissue that was not removed or cleansed during initial therapy. All canals will be cleaned, and often times a special root canal medicament is placed for a period of 1-2 weeks. If this is needed, you would return for a 2nd visit to remove the medication and seal the canals. If this medicament is not needed, then the retreatment can be completed at the 1st visit and a temporary filling will be placed.
Once the retreatment has been completed, you will then return to your dentist for a new filling and/or crown.
