Endodontic Retreatment
With proper care, a tooth that’s had endodontic treatment will last as long as any other natural tooth. Occasionally, though, a treated tooth fails to heal, or pain continues — sometimes not showing up until months or even years after the original treatment. When that happens, endodontic retreatment may be the solution.
Why Might a Treated Tooth Need Retreatment?
Sometimes it traces back to the original treatment. Other times, a new problem develops in a tooth that healed successfully the first time.
From the original treatment
- Curved or narrow canals that weren’t treated during the initial procedure
- Complicated canal anatomy that went undetected the first time
- A crown or restoration that wasn’t placed within the appropriate window after treatment
- A crown or restoration that didn’t fully prevent saliva from reaching the inside of the tooth
New problems after a successful treatment
- New decay exposing the root canal filling material, leading to infection
- A cracked or loose filling or crown exposing the tooth to new infection
Once retreatment is the right solution, we’ll reopen the tooth to access the existing root canal filling material and remove it. From there, we clean the canals thoroughly and carefully examine the inside of the tooth before filling and sealing the canals and placing a temporary filling.
Inflamed Tissue
Identifying the problem
Filling Removed
Accessing the canal system
Canals Cleaned
Removing diseased tissue
Root Material Placed
New filling material set
Filling Restored
Canals sealed
Healed Tooth
Restored and protected
After retreatment, be sure to see your restorative dentist as soon as possible for a new crown or restoration to fully restore the tooth’s function.
Still dealing with pain from a previously treated tooth? We’re happy to take a look.
Call 317-399-7255Schedule a Visit
Ready when you are.
Modern techniques and effective anesthesia make root canal treatment virtually painless. Your initial appointment will consist of a consultation, however, treatment can usually begin at that visit.
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