If you’ve had a root canal performed at some point, you probably experienced firsthand that the procedure wasn’t nearly as scary as you expected it to be. Root canals are usually used to save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction, and can be a painless way to treat very uncomfortable infections.
However, you might have noticed recently that you’ve started feeling the same discomfort you had when you first needed that root canal. In that case, you may require what’s called a root canal retreatment. If you want to know a little more about what this is and why you may need it, here’s a guide that can help you.
What is a Root Canal Retreatment?
As you may have guessed from the name, a root canal retreatment is a lot like a “do-over” of your first root canal, and it’s used when signs of infection or oral health issues start cropping up in a tooth that has previously received the treatment.
What is a Retreatment Like?
Much like with your previous root canal, your dentist will begin the procedure by numbing your mouth completely. Then, they’ll remove the crown and filling that was used to repair the previous root canal and take a look inside the tooth.
They’ll then clean out any areas of decay or signs of infection, refill the tooth and replace the dental crown, bringing your tooth back to safety and stability.
What Makes a Retreatment Necessary?
People who get a root canal retreatment usually show up to the dentist initially because of severe discomfort. This tends to be a result of bacteria seeping into cracks or crevices within the root canal filling. These sorts of infections can involve decay within the tooth or, in extreme cases, abscesses that form along the gums.
The possibility of needing root canal retreatment is why it is so important to see your dentist biannually, especially if you’ve had problems with your teeth in the past. Your dentist has access to a wide variety of diagnostic tools, so they can help you discover an infection before it becomes painful.
About the Author
Dr. Deborah Bishop is an endodontic specialist who has dedicated herself to her field, and is proud to have a practice that’s on the cutting edge of oral medicine. Dr. Bishop graduated from the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, and completed her endodontic residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has since worked as an adjunct professor of endodontics at her alma mater, and is a proud member of the American Dental Association.
If you have any questions about root canal retreatment, she can be reached at her website or by phone at (256) 882-5161.