Procedures - Root Canal Retreatment

Root Canal Retreatment

Non-Surgical Root Canal Retreatment

Retreatment is necessary when bacteria have re-entered the tooth. This is usually due to decay or untreated canal areas. The patient may experience swelling or pain in chewing.

Sometimes a patient may have no symptoms, but an x-ray shows that there is a problem with a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy.

What Happens During Root Canal Retreatment?

Step one:

After the tooth is "numbed," the canal system will be reopened to remove the previous root canal material. This may involve removing a crown, post and core material. Sometimes we are able to make a small hole in the existing restoration and work through that opening. The canals are then thoroughly cleansed and shaped along their entire length.

Step two:

The canals are refilled with gutta-percha and the opening is sealed with a sterile cotton pellet and a temporary filling.

Step three:

The tooth is restored within a couple of weeks. If your existing crown can be saved, then it will be repaired. If not, you will probably need a new crown.

With time, the bone will heal where the bacteria was removed.

© Copyright 2003- Dental WebSmith, Inc. and R. Thomas Bayley, III, DMD, P.C. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: The information provided within is intended to help you better understand dental conditions and procedures. It is not meant to serve as delivery of medical or dental care. If you have specific questions or concerns, contact your health care provider.