Root canal treatment has a high rate of success, and it can ultimately help save a tooth that would otherwise need to be removed. But in some cases, you may require root canal retreatment to address any problems that have occurred after the initial procedure. If you want to protect the overall health of your smile, it’s worth learning more about the reasons why root canal retreatment may be necessary.
When is a Root Canal Retreatment Needed?
A regular root canal treatment involves creating an opening in your tooth in order to remove damaged or infected pulp. Once the inside of the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, it is then refilled with a biocompatible substance before being resealed and restored with a dental crown.
While the majority of root canal treatments are successful, some patients may experience pain and other problems even after the procedure. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why issues might occur:
- Decay may occur near the treated tooth. This can lead to bacteria attacking the roots and potentially causing a new infection.
- Some of the bacteria in your tooth may not have been removed during the initial root canal treatment due to being hidden in difficult-to-clean canals.
- If you wait too long to get a dental crown after a root canal treatment, the exposed tooth will be left susceptible to harmful bacteria and could ultimately be reinfected.
No matter what the underlying cause of the problem is, it’s best to have root canal retreatment performed as soon as possible so that you can keep your tooth safe and quickly find relief from any pain that you might have.
How Does Root Canal Retreatment Work?
At the start of the root canal retreatment process, a local anesthetic will be used to numb your mouth. The crown will be taken off the previously treated tooth, and the substance used to fill it will be removed. Once that’s done, your dentist will carefully examine the inside of the tooth, keeping an eye out for infection as well as any canals or unusual anatomy that might have been missed the first time.
The inside of the dental structure will be thoroughly disinfected; afterward, it can be refilled. You may need to have a new crown placed in order to keep the treated tooth safe.
The idea of having a root canal treatment redone may not be an inviting one, but it could be a necessary step for protecting your oral health. Be sure to call your dentist immediately if you suspect that you’re in need of root canal retreatment.
About the Author
Dr. Molly Makos Fraser studied dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania, and she has worked at the Albert Einstein Medical Center as a general practice dental resident. She has completed advanced training in endodontics, and as such, she is able to offer in-office root canal treatment. If you think you may need root canal retreatment, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Fraser at Columbus Dental Arts by visiting her website or calling (609) 324-9500.