Endodontic Retreatment

An endodontic retreatment is performed if after the first treatment the tooth has not healed as expected or if the pain continues.  Inadequate healing can be a result of:

• Complicated canals were missed during the first treatment
• There was a delay in placing the crown or restoration
• Saliva contaminated the inside of the tooth
• No treatment of curved and narrow canals
• Fresh decay exposing root canal fillings can result in infection
• Loose fillings can lead to new infection
• Fractured tooth

Endodontic retreatment can be a simple non-surgical procedure, a complex surgical one or a mix of both. The endodontist will inform you about the most suitable treatment option for your case.

The endodontist will create an opening into the restoration to reach the root canal filling material. He may have to remove the crown, post, and core material before he can reach the root canals. The post and other material are loosened using a post remover or an ultrasonic hand piece. The endodontist then examines the inside of the tooth to locate additional canals or changes in the structure of the tooth.

The endodontist fills and seals the cleaned canals and a temporary filling is placed in the tooth. He may take X-rays to verify that the cleaning is as close as possible to the end of the root. Endodontic surgery may be required if the canals are very narrow or there is blockage. An incision is made so that the other end of the root can be sealed satisfactorily.