7449 East Osborn Road #4 Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
When Old Root Canals Go Bad
For a variety of reasons, root canal treatment may occasionally be unsuccessful, at which point additional treatment becomes necessary. One purpose of an endodontist evaluation is to identify specific causes of a dental problem and determine whether or not they will be able to correct it. When evaluating teeth that have already had endodontic treatment, a 3D image (CBCT scan) is extremely useful.
What to Expect After Root Canal Retreatment
Recovery after root canal retreatment is similar to what you may have experienced following your original procedure. Most patients find that any discomfort is manageable and short-lived. Here is what to keep in mind as you heal:
- Mild soreness and sensitivity — are normal for the first few days after retreatment, particularly when biting down — this typically resolves on its own within a week
- Avoid chewing on the treated side — until your permanent restoration is in place, as the tooth will be fitted with a temporary filling in the meantime.
- Take any prescribed antibiotics — for the full duration if Dr. Brittain has determined that an active infection needs to be cleared.
- Attend your follow-up appointments — returning to your restorative dentist for a permanent crown or filling is not optional; it is a critical part of ensuring the retreatment succeeds long-term.
- Watch for warning signs — if pain intensifies after the third day, swelling develops, or you notice the temporary filling has come loose, contact our office promptly.
What Can Make Root Canal Treatment Fail
One of the main reasons root canal treatment can fail is when all of the tooth’s canals were not identified and treated, or else were not completely cleaned. These are problems that can often be corrected with retreatment.
Another way treatment can become compromised is through leakage of salivary bacteria, which can contaminate the treatment area and lead to infection of the root canals and eventually the surrounding bone and gums. This leakage can either be the result of an ill-fitting crown or filling or else through new tooth decay. With poorly-sealed root canals, contamination will occur rapidly, unlike a well-sealed root canal, which effectively slows or prevents contamination and infection. This problem can also be corrected with retreatment in most cases.
Retreatment Goals at Dentistry of Old Town Scottsdale
Retreatment aims to achieve the same results as initial root canal treatment. Dr. Brittain will mechanically remove debris, tissue, and infection from within the canal spaces, then chemically disinfect those spaces, and finally seal them off with a root canal filling so that recontamination will not occur.
Before Dr. Brittain can do this, he must disassemble the existing restoration and previous root canal treatment, which can involve removing or making an access opening through the existing crown, or removing existing posts or cores. After disassembly is complete, he removes the previous filling material so that he can clean and disinfect all canal spaces. Sometimes he will fill the canals with a temporary medication before completing treatment in a separate visit.
To complete the retreatment, Dr. Brittain seals the canals with a root filling. For a permanent restoration, you will need to go back to your restorative dentist after a few weeks of healing. A damaged or leaking restoration will need to be replaced, because a well-fitting final restoration is crucial for the treatment to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is root canal retreatment?
Root canal retreatment is a procedure performed when a previously treated tooth fails to heal or becomes reinfected, requiring the root canal to be cleaned and sealed again.Why would a root canal need retreatment?
Retreatment may be needed due to persistent infection, new decay, missed canals, or a cracked or damaged restoration.Is root canal retreatment painful?
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, so discomfort is minimal and similar to that of the original root canal treatment.How successful is root canal retreatment?
Many retreatment procedures are highly successful and can save the natural tooth for many more years with proper care.What happens after root canal retreatment?
After healing, a new crown or restoration is usually placed to protect the tooth and restore its function.