Is Root Canal Retreatment Common?

Root canal retreatment is a possibility after root canal therapy. Proper care after root canal therapy will result in complete healing and the absence of infection. However, there is always a possibility of improper healing weeks or years after the procedure. The endodontist will need to perform root canal treatment again. If you want to know more about root canal retreatment and how common it is, here are the facts.

The possibility of root canal retreatment

The retreatment can happen if the tooth does not heal as planned after the first root canal therapy. The patient could have curved or narrow root canals that often complicate the first procedure. There could also be undetected problematic root canals that did not receive treatment the first time. An improper seal could have allowed bacteria into the treated and vulnerable tooth.

A thin fracture of the root or crown can give rise to new infections. The same applies to a loose or broken filling or crown. Some problems may not have symptoms at all. But they could start a chronic infection. A dental X-ray will show this as a black area around a reinfected tooth.

During root canal retreatment

The endodontist will reopen the treated tooth. The dentist must remove the dental crown and take out the core material. Cleaning the canals must happen again. The dentist will check the canals with proper lighting and magnification.

Searching for more root canals will follow. Treating the previously missed canals will come next. Then, the dentist will disinfect and dry the areas. Endodontic microsurgery can help blocked or extremely narrow root canals. This procedure can treat the infection and reseal the root canal from the tip of the tooth root.

Sealing the pulp cavity and root canals will occur. Proper healing must happen first after the root canal retreatment. Recovery could speed up through antibiotic therapy. Then, a new dental crown will cover the retreated tooth. This will restore the tooth’s healthy appearance and everyday function.

Knowing if root canal retreatment is the right option

Saving the natural tooth is always a priority. A root canal retreatment can give the tooth stability and strength for a lifetime. This procedure may already have more advanced techniques and technology the first root canal procedure did not have. The retreatment could be the last procedure the tooth needs. Endodontic microsurgery could go with the retreatment or serve as a more extensive alternative.

Another alternative is a dental extraction. A dental implant, removable denture, or bridge will replace the missing tooth. These replacements can bring back the look and function of a natural tooth. They can also prevent the shifting of neighboring teeth. Extraction may be easier, but dental restorations can take longer and cost more to maintain.