FAQ About Endodontic Retreatment

Root canals are a safe and effective treatment to eliminate tooth infection and prevent the need for extraction. Unfortunately, if the root canal treatment is not performed properly the first time, or later becomes contaminated, you can have tooth pain or infection months or even years later. If this happens, you may need to have the procedure redone, referred to as endodontic retreatment. At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, our team has the expertise to help our patients in need of retreatment. If you are in pain, give us a call to schedule an evaluation.

Why Do I Need Endodontic Retreatment?

Even though the nerve is removed during a root canal, there are times when it does not heal properly. Here are the most common reasons for needing endodontic retreatment:

• Infection remained in the tooth after the first procedure
• Restricted or oddly shaped canals that were not treated initially
• New infection caused by a leaky filling or crown, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth
• A break in the tooth

What is Involved in Endodontic Retreatment?

The retreatment process starts with removing the old root canal filling material and locating any untreated canals. Next, the root canals are thoroughly cleaned, and the inner portion of the tooth is examined to identify cracks or leakage. After all signs of infection are eliminated, the canals are filled and sealed. If we cannot effectively access the canals, endodontic surgery is occasionally suggested to access that portion of the root.

What is the Recovery from Endodontic Treatment?

Following the retreatment, the tooth may be tender.  You should avoid chewing on it for a few days.  Approximately half the patients take over-the-counter pain medication for a day or two.  In most cases, a 6-month follow-up appointment will be scheduled to evaluate healing.

If You’re in Pain After a Previous Root Canal, Give Us a Call Today

When possible, it is best to save your natural tooth. At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, we perform successful endodontic retreatments every day. To learn more about this procedure, call us at (210) 497-6699.

Dr. Richard Davis, DDS

Richard D. Davis, DDS, graduated from high school in Japan, attended the University of Washington dental school, and joined the Air Force as a general dentist in 1978. He completed the Air Force one-year AEGD residency, a two-year Advanced General Dentistry Residency, and a fellowship in biomaterials at the University of Indiana. Dr. Davis was a clinical instructor, research director, and lecturer at the Air Force. He has published many scientific articles and research papers, and has lectured on many topics. Following retirement from the Air Force in 1999, he completed the graduate program in endodontics at the University of Oregon in 2001, and joined Dr. Schwartz and has been in private practice in endodontics since then.

Dr. Richard Schwartz, DDS
Connect on LinkedIn

Richard S. Schwartz, DDS, graduated from the University of Minnesota dental school in 1977. He was a restorative dentist for 19 years: Early in his career, he attended a two-year general dentistry residency while in the US Air Force, and then did a combination of private practice, teaching, and dental materials research before entering endodontic post-graduate training in 1996. He has authored over 100 articles and abstracts in scientific journals and lectured extensively in the US and in 21 other countries, including 12 times at the American Association of Endodontists’ national meeting. Since 1998 Dr. Schwartz has been in full-time private practice in endodontics in San Antonio, TX, and has practiced with Dr. Davis since 2001. He was a founding member and first secretary/treasurer of the International Association of Endodontics. He is also a member of the American Dental Association and International Association of Dental Specialists.

Dr. Zhangrui Liang, DDS, MS

Dr. Zhangrui “Zac” Liang, DDS, MS, grew up in China and has been in the US since 2015. He attended dental school in China and did his endodontic training at UCLA, where he also received a Masters of Science degree. He has practiced with Dr. Davis and Dr. Schwartz since 2022.

Dr. Wisam Sakr, DDS, MS

Dr. Wisam Sakr has nearly 20 years of dental experience. He graduated from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and further honed his skills through an AEGD program at Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. He also earned a Specialty and Master’s degree in Endodontics from West Virginia University Health and Science Center. Dr. Sakr is a dedicated member of the American Association of Endodontics and American Dental Association. He is committed to providing top-notch dental care with the latest technology in a compassionate and professional setting.