Sometimes a previous root canal may give you trouble. See our endodontic specialists for the best advice and retreatment
Root canal retreatment
Trust an endodontic specialist for lasting results
As with any dental or medical procedure, it’s possible your tooth won’t heal as expected or that new problems will arise in the future.
Trusting a specialist endodontist minimises the risk of failed procedures. We can also help if you have a previous root canal treatment that is causing problems.
Possible reasons for retreatment
Not every tooth anatomy follows the textbook and a root canal treatment is a delicate and specialist procedure. If a root canal gives trouble after treatment it could be because of any of the following:
- Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.
- Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure.
- The placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment.
- The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth.
Over time, other problems can arise in a tooth that was successfully treated. These include:
- New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection.
- A loose, cracked or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection.
- Your tooth fractures under some sort of pressure.
What happens during retreatment
Retreatment is very similar to the initial treatment and is done under anaesthetic (and sedation if requested). The endodontist will reopen your tooth and remove the filling materials that were put in the root canals during the first procedure.
The endodontist then carefully examines the tooth, looking for additional canals or new infection. Any infection is removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped, and new filling materials are placed. The endodontist will then reseal the opening with a temporary filling. You will then return to your dentist for the tooth to be restored with a permanent filling or a new crown.
Reference: information copyrighted by and courtesy of the American Association of Endodontics.