Sometimes, it’s easy to get things right on the first try. Following the recipe properly can yield a perfectly baked cake, and making an educated guess can help you determine the appropriate number of candies in a jar. But on occasion, things don’t work out the first time around, and you’ll need to try again. Unfortunately, this includes root canals. If your dentist has recommended a root canal retreatment, here’s why this could be necessary, and what you can expect from the procedure.
Failure to Launch
Needing a root canal isn’t exactly something most people want to go through twice. Sure, the procedure itself isn’t bad, nor is the recovery. But the pain of a tooth infection is something many patients would prefer to forget. So naturally, if your tooth becomes reinfected after a few months or years after a root canal, it can be very stressful. Thankfully, even initially unsuccessful root canals can be redone, giving you another chance to preserve your tooth and alleviate discomfort.
There are several reasons why your tooth may require root canal retreatment. These include:
- Failure of the crown or temporary crown to protect the tooth from salivary contamination.
- Too long of a time between when the initial procedure was completed, and the crown was placed.
- Missed, calcified, or too narrow canals that were not treated initially.
- The tooth develops a vertical fracture following treatment.
- A new cavity forms.
- The restoration placed after treatment breaks down and allows bacteria to enter the tooth and causes reinfection.
Root Canal Retreatment Explained
If any of the above occurs, you will likely need a root canal retreatment. This procedure should be very similar to your original root canal. First, your endodontist will ensure that your tooth is numb. Once you are comfortable, the procedure will begin. During treatment, you may feel slight pressure, but you should feel no pain. Next, your endodontist will remove your crown and reopen your tooth. They will then remove the old synthetic replacement pulp as well as any newly discovered infected pulp. Once the infection is completely cleared out, new synthetic materials will be filled in, and a temporary crown will be placed. When your new crown is ready, you will return to the endodontist for it to be attached and your retreatment will be complete.
After the Retreatment
Once your new crown is placed, you can once again use your treated tooth as you normally would. Root canal retreatment has a very high success rate; in fact, it is said that most treatments have between a 75 and 88 percent chance of working. Should it fail a second time, your endodontist can discuss your options for extraction or another root canal retreatment. Though rare, root canals can be redone multiple times (even three or four), however the more they are done the greater the risk of fractures to the tooth.
Remember, root canal retreatment is sometimes necessary if your tooth becomes reinfected, or if your endodontist was unable to successfully clear away the infection during your first procedure. If you have been recommended for this procedure, rest assured that your endodontist will do everything they can to clear away any new or previously undiscovered infection, and your tooth will once again be pain free and functional.
About Our Practice
At Endodontic Group of Jersey City, your comfort is our top priority. If your tooth has undergone root canal therapy and needs retreatment, it is common to have questions and concerns. Thankfully, our team of skilled endodontists has both the education and experience necessary to provide comfortable, high-quality care that can help ease your pain and save your tooth.
If you’re experiencing pain in a previously treated tooth or if your dentist has recommended a root canal retreatment, please schedule a consultation for a root canal retreatment at your earliest convenience by visiting our website or calling us at 201-484-5404.