Endodontic Retreatment

Understanding Root Canal Retreatment

Root canal retreatment occurs when a previously treated tooth develops new infections or the initial treatment doesn’t fully heal. During the original procedure, the tooth’s pulp is removed, canals are cleaned, and gutta-percha is filled before restoration. If issues arise later, endodontic retreatment cleans and refills the canals to address infection and preserve the natural tooth, often preventing the need for extraction or dental implants.

Retreatment success rates range from 80% to 88%, but outcomes depend on the type of initial treatment. That’s why it's crucial to select an experienced practice like Apex Endodontics and Implantology Specialists. Using advanced technology, our team provides precise care to maximize healing and maintain your tooth’s long-term health.

Reasons for Retreatment

Here are various reasons why retreatment might be needed:

Untreated Canals: Teeth, particularly molars with multiple roots, may have canals that were not visible or treated during the initial procedure.
Fractured or Curved Canals: Some canals are extremely small and challenging to detect on X-rays.
Complex Canal Anatomy or Calcification: The initial procedure might have been challenging due to intricate canal shapes or calcified canals.
Improper Sealing of the Filling: The filling may not have been sealed correctly, allowing bacteria to re-enter the tooth.
Residual Bacteria: Some bacteria may have remained in the canals after the initial treatment.
Delay in Restoration: If a restoration, such as a filling or crown, is not promptly placed, the tooth could be vulnerable to bacteria and temperature changes.
Decay Under Existing Restoration: Decay beneath a restoration can allow bacteria to reach the treated canal.
Post-Treatment Crack or Fracture: If a crack or fracture forms in the tooth after treatment, it can permit bacterial entry.

If you're experiencing any complications with a previously treated tooth, seeking dental retreatment services as soon as possible can prevent further damage and discomfort.

Indications for Root Canal Retreatment

You may need retreatment if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Intense Pain When Chewing: If you feel sharp or severe pain when biting down or applying pressure on the tooth.
Persistent Pain: Pain that continues for an extended period, even after the initial root canal treatment.
Spontaneous Pain: Pain that occurs without any specific trigger, such as trauma or excessive chewing.
Gum Pimple-Like Bump: Noticing a pimple-like bump on the gums near the tooth. This could indicate an abscess, which is a pocket of infection.
Tenderness or Swelling in Lymph Nodes: Feeling tenderness or swelling in the lymph nodes around the neck or jaw. This may indicate that the infection has spread into the bone and surrounding tissue.

Tooth pain or infection can recur months or years after a root canal procedure. Early detection and a follow-up procedure by a specialist can help save the tooth and restore your oral health.

Endodontic Retreatment Procedure

Root canal retreatment is similar to an initial root canal but involves additional steps, typically completed over two visits. During the first visit, we conduct a detailed examination using digital X-rays to evaluate the tooth’s condition. Our skilled endodontists remove previous root canal materials, place an antibacterial calcium hydroxide paste to eliminate bacteria and encourage healing, and seal the tooth with a temporary filling.

At the second visit, the paste is removed, the canals are cleaned and reshaped, and a new root canal filling is placed. In more complex cases, advanced procedures like an apicoectomy and root tip removal may be necessary. Our focus is on patient comfort, preserving natural teeth, and ensuring long-term oral health through the use of digital imaging, rotary tools, and enhanced disinfection techniques. Whether you’ve been referred by a general dentist or have experienced a failed root canal, we’re here to provide expert retreatment care.

Recovery and Aftercare

It's common to experience some immediate effects after a dental procedure. Due to the local anesthesia, you may notice numbness in your mouth for a few hours. This is normal and will gradually subside. It's also typical to feel some tenderness or sensitivity around the treated area, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. To help reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort, apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the outside of your cheek near the treated area. Use the ice pack for about 15 minutes at a time, with 15-minute breaks in between. During the first few days following the procedure, it’s best to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the treatment was performed to promote proper healing.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for a smooth recovery process. However, it's important to be gentle when brushing and flossing around the treated tooth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently to avoid irritation. Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, especially on the first day after the procedure. If a temporary filling was placed, handle it with care. Temporary fillings are not as durable as permanent ones, so refrain from consuming sticky or hard foods that could dislodge the filling.

Endodontic retreatment costs may be higher than the initial treatment, but dental insurance often covers part or all of the expenses. Some policies may have limitations, such as covering only one procedure on a tooth within a specific timeframe. Rest assured, our team is here to assist you throughout this process. We can help you navigate your insurance coverage and provide clarity before proceeding with treatment.

Contact us today if you're considering root canal therapy for a newly discovered infection or have questions about the process. We’re here to provide expert guidance with professionalism and care.

What do our patients say?

Discover what our patients are saying about their exceptional dental care experiences!

Hands down, one of the BEST dentist. If not, THEN THE BEST. I am usually SCARED of dental procedures. I came in for a root canal and they made me feel SO comfortable, gave me knowledge on how the procedure will go, and were one of the nicest staffs I met in ANY BUSINESS. They are so good at what they do to the point I didn't feel any pain at all from start to finish. THANK YOU APEX, YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING.

Arsh Bhullar

Everyone is so so nice and professional! Dr. Prakash explains everything very well. Her and the dental assistance, Stacy, both kept checking on me throughout my procedure. My appointment was about 1.5 hours for a consultation, x-rays, and a root canal. Would definitely recommend!

Betsy G

Can't recommend enough! Went in for tooth pain/sensitivity where my crown is. Evaluation determined I needed a root canal. So if course I was extremely nervous. But Dr. Prakash and Stacy were fantastic. Gave me plenty of numbing and lots of positive encouragement. Everything was done before I knew it. If you're looking for a great place to go - this is it!

Chrystie Caserza

I 100% love this dental office! I had a great experience. Just the one visit so far but actually hope I have to go back! The entire staff was incredibly kind and outgoing and talkative, which I absolutely relate to! Dr. Prakash was so professional and fun at the same time. 10 stars!!! Whoooo

Erika Montanez

Everyone is so nice here! It’s amazing that getting two root canals at one sitting could be so pleasant! This is my second time using Dr Prakash and if I ever need any more root canals this is where I’d go. her assistant is so nice too! I felt relaxed and the procedure of getting a root canal with smooth sailing.

Denise Valderrama

Dr Prakash and everyone at Apex is great! I took my mom in for a root canal and we were in and out in about 90 minutes. Who isn’t nervous at the dentist office? But Dr Prakash’s calm approach and friendly bedside manner put us at ease right away. I highly recommend her if you are looking for someone qualified, and who can get the job done. 5 stars for sure!

Pallavi Iyer