12
Jan
Your tooth deserves another chance! How specialists “save” teeth that fail to heal after root canal treatment
It is not unusual for teeth to feel slightly tender or “different” than its neighbors for a few days following root canal treatment (RCT). This is normal and not typically a cause for concern unless it persists for a week or more. Even then, minor symptoms usually resolve with time.
However, some symptoms may be indicative of failed root canal treatment. These include worsening pain, swelling or biting tenderness that doesn’t resolve. Sometimes there are no symptoms but there is evidence of persistent infection on an x-ray.
Failure of root canal treatment is often the result when the infection was not adequately addressed when the original procedure was performed. It can also result from bacterial contamination of the root canal system because of decay, lost or leaky fillings or if a crack forms in the tooth or filling.
Drs. Davis and Schwartz spend almost half their time redoing RCTs done by other dentists. They apply their knowledge and skills to properly plan and treat the ailing tooth, to avoid early-stage failures and increase the odds of successful long-term treatment. Our team also works closely with your dentist and other specialists to rebuild your teeth and provide the best possible results. We also minimize later-stage failures by supporting proper after-care, follow-up visits, and proactive monitoring of the treated tooth. We encourage healing at every step in the treatment process.
For retreatment, we ensure old fillings are completely accessed, disassembled, and removed. Our specialists also “catch” areas that may have been missed in the original treatment; for example, additional or anomalous canals. The canals are thoroughly disinfected, reshaped and sealed. Ultimately, a crown is usually placed to protect the structure and health of the tooth over the long term.
Call Our Office for More Information
New Patients: (210) 405-0473 | Existing Patients: (210) 497-6699
If you are having issues with an existing root canal treatment do not delay contacting Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio. Call (210) 405-0473 with concerns or questions about your treated tooth.
Our specialists are privileged to resolve even the most complex problems for our patients in Boerne, Eagle Pass, Fredericksburg, Laredo, Del Rio, Spring Branch, and greater west-central TX.
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
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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.
