Root Canal Retreatment

In rare cases, root canal therapy fails to work as expected. The treated tooth might not heal properly or a patient might experience post-surgical complications that jeopardize the tooth. Root canal retreatment involves the removal of the previous crown and packing material, the cleansing of the root canals, and the re-packing and re-crowning of the tooth. In short, root canal retreatment is almost identical to the original procedure, aside from the structural removal. The success rate for a root canal retreatment runs at around 75%.

Root canal treatments and retreatments are a better alternative than extraction for most individuals. If a tooth has good bone support, a solid surface and healthy gums beneath it, it stands a good chance of being saved. Opting for root canal retreatment can be far less expensive than the alternatives. Dental implants, extensive bridgework and the creation of aesthetically pleasing prosthetic teeth cost far more than working with the natural tooth. They also require maintenance and feel less natural than a “real” tooth.

Why is root canal retreatment required?

Though the prospect of more endodontic surgery might not be pleasant, root canal retreatment is fairly simple. In general, the whole treatment can be completed in 1-3 visits.

There are a number of reasons why root canal therapy unexpectedly fails, including:

  • Cracked crown leaking filling material.
  • Curved or narrow canals not treated during the original procedure.
  • Delay in the placement of restorative devices following the procedure.
  • New decay to the tooth.
  • New fracture in the treated tooth.
  • Saliva entering the restorative structure.
  • Undetected complex canal structures.

What does root canal retreatment involve?

On the day of the retreatment procedure a local anesthetic will be administered, unless another type of anesthetic has been selected. The affected tooth is isolated with a rubber dam. The dam protects the tooth during treatment from bacteria and saliva. The amount the dentist can do within a single appointment will much depend on the amount of inflammation present, and the complexity of the treatment.

The first step in a root canal retreatment is to gain access to the inner tooth. If a crown and post have been placed, these will be removed.

Next, filling material and obstructions that block the root canals will be removed. This removal is conducted using an ultrasonic handpiece. The advantage of using this tool is that any unwanted material is vibrated loose. Tiny instruments will then be used to clean and reshape the root canals. X-rays may be taken to ensure that the roots are thoroughly clean. If this part of the treatment proves to be complex, medicated packing material will be applied, and the rest of the cleansing procedure will be done at the next visit.

When the dentist is confident that the root canals are completely clean, gutta-percha is used to pack the space. This rubbery material seals the canals to prevent bacterial invasion. Finally, a temporary crown or filling is applied to tooth. At a later date, the color-matched permanent crown will be placed.

If you have any questions or concerns about root canal retreatment, please ask your dentist.

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Testimonials

Choosing a dentist after delaying for over 6 years is tough !
Dr. Norman and his excellent staff, Jennifer, Coreena, and Kim, took care of me at every step.
Scheduling, consultations, the work that needed to be done on my teeth, and a follow-up appointment, have without a doubt resulted in me being a patient for life.
If you're in the same situation as I was, or are looking for a different opinion for your own dental needs, I highly recommend you go see them at their Roseburg or Glide clinics.

Teal T.

No one likes a visit to the dentist, but Jed Norman makes it as pain-free as possible. I've been to good dentists and bad ones, having gone through much more than my share of dental drama, so I was extremely relieved to find Dr Norman. He's very experienced and knowledgeable, but more to the point, he cares about his patients. He's thorough, compassionate, and patient. He's not afraid of a challenging dental situation, but knows his limits. I've supplied him with several opportunities (not on purpose) to recommend work that wasn't necessary, but he always suggests the conservative treatment first. He explains the science and logistics of his approach well, which helps me feel more confident. Also, both his office staff , dental assistants , and hygienist are equally competent and caring. When I need to get in for an appointment I'm able to. My husband and I have been Dr Norman's patient's for over three years now and I highly recommend him.

Shawna W.

Great dentist and awesome staff. Service is always thorough and they are very clear about treatment plans and costs. I got my wisdom teeth pulled here and they did a very good job. If you're looking for an honest, kind dentist with integrity, Jed Norman is your guy.

Andrew F.

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