Root canal therapy is arguably one of the best possible ways to salvage a damaged or compromised tooth. A tooth that has undergone this treatment is essentially given a second chance at life; but only if you’re able to properly maintain it moving forward! That said, in some cases the procedure needs to be completed a second time in the future in order to ensure its continued success. Keep reading to learn more from your dentist about root canal retreatment and what you can expect during the process.
Why Is Root Canal Retreatment Sometimes Necessary?
Root canal retreatment is pretty much the same procedure as root canal therapy; however, it’s being done to a tooth that’s already undergone root canal therapy but hasn’t properly healed. This failure to heal can be caused by a variety of things:
- Complicated canal anatomy – Infection-causing bacteria can easily hide in narrow, curved, or complicated canals that weren’t initially treated.
- Delayed crown placement – If was a long delay between the root canal procedure and the crown being placed afterwards, bacteria might’ve infiltrated and attacked the vulnerable tooth.
- Salivary contamination – In some cases, the restoration may not have completely sealed the tooth, allowing for the possibility of salivary contamination.
- Restoration damage – Sometimes the crown or filling that’s placed after root canal therapy can become loose or damaged and bacteria can seep through, also causing a new infection.
- New decay – Occasionally new decay can form near the treated tooth, exposing the root canal filling inside to bacteria and causing a new infection.
- Tooth damage – If the treated tooth has become cracked or fractured, bacteria have a direct route to its inner layers.
What Should I Expect During Root Canal Retreatment?
If it’s been a while since your root canal, the available technologies and treatment methods have been updated to make the process even more comfortable and effective. To ensure your comfort, your dentist will numb your mouth before getting started. The next step is removing the dental crown (if necessary) and reopening the tooth, followed by removal of the canal filling and any other tissue that was previously untreated or is newly infected. Using a combination of illumination, magnification, and other equipment, they’ll carefully search for additional canals or anything else unusual that requires treatment. Finally, the tooth is disinfected, refilled, and sealed up with a filling or crown, just like during your original root canal.
Moving forward, it will be crucial to practice excellent oral hygiene in order to ensure your newly restored tooth remains healthy and clean. Root canal therapy is highly effective, but sometimes it takes a second attempt to save your tooth and get your smile back on track!
About the Practice
The team at Davis, Roberts, Boeller, & Rife is honored to serve the dental needs of the Englewood, FL area. The practice is pleased to offer a wide variety of services including root canal therapy. If you have any questions about the article or would like to schedule a visit, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for assistance: (941) 474-6466.