Under ideal circumstances, root canal therapy preserves a damaged tooth and allows it to continue functioning well throughout a patient’s lifetime. But what if your dentist or endodontist informs you that a previously treated tooth needs to undergo a second root canal (also known as endodontic retreatment)? Understandably, you might be hesitant to commit to the procedure. Just when and why is endodontic retreatment necessary? This blog post discusses some common reasons. It also touches on what you can expect from a second root canal.
Reasons for Endodontic Retreatment
While the majority of root canal procedures are successful, they do fail occasionally. This may happen because:
- A tooth has narrow or curved canals in the roots were not treated during the initial procedure.
- A tooth has complex facets of its anatomy that went unnoticed during the first treatment. (Remember, it is very difficult to see inside a tooth during root canal therapy!)
- A crown was not placed on the treated tooth in a timely manner, providing the opportunity for reinfection of the tooth.
- The restoration did adequately not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth, leading to a new infection.
Of course, even if the initial root canal was successful, that does not mean that endodontic retreatment will never be necessary. New damage to the tooth or crown may damage the tooth’s interior and lead to the need for a second root canal.
What to Expect with Endodontic Retreatment
The need for endodontic retreatment can arise at any time, so you should monitor your treated tooth and see a specialist if you notice new pain, damage, or other signs of a problem.
After they evaluate the situation, your endodontist may recommend a second root canal. The procedure itself will be similar to your first one, although it may take longer because your care team will need to remove the filling that was previously placed in your tooth. They may also take extra time to be as thorough as possible. Afterward, you may need a new crown, or, if your old crown is still intact, it may be reattached to your tooth.
Thanks to anesthesia and/or sedation, you should remain comfortable throughout your procedure.
Even though endodontic retreatment can feel like bad news, it actually has the potential to give your tooth another chance at being strong and functional! If you find out that you need this procedure, you can be grateful that it may spare your damaged tooth from extraction.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Deborah Bishop is a highly accomplished endodontist who is proud to serve the Huntsville community. She offers initial root canal therapy, endodontic retreatment, and other advanced services. If you have concerns about the health of one of your teeth, she and our team are ready to answer your questions and advise you on your next steps. Contact our office at 256-882-5161.