When is it necessary to redo (retreat) an existing root canal treated tooth?

When performed properly, root canal treatment has a very high success rate.  Unfortunately, this procedure is not always performed properly, infection remains in the tooth and prevents healing, sometimes with persistent symptoms.  In many cases root canal retreatment can be performed successfully eliminating the infection, relieving symptoms with resultant healing of the bone and soft tissues.

At Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio, Drs. Rick Davis and Rick Schwartz spend almost half of their time retreating failing root canal treatments performed by others.  They can retreat your tooth even if it fails years later after the initial treatment.

Why might I need root canal retreatment?

While you hope your root canal treatment to last a lifetime, unfortunately, this is not always the case. Some of the common reasons for failure include

• Root canal systems that are not cleaned well in the initial procedure
• Contamination of the root canal filling if the tooth is not restored immediately
• Loose or leaky crowns or fillings
• Tooth decay, causing reinfection
• A crack in the tooth
• Saliva contaminating your treated tooth

In many of these situations, retreatment will prolong the life of your tooth.  Dr. Davis and Schwartz restore the teeth immediately after they complete root canal treatment, so contamination is not an issue for the teeth they treat.

What to expect during the procedure

Like the initial root canal, retreatment starts with administering anesthesia to ensure the procedure is pain-free. If a crown is present, it may be removed or a small hole is made in it to gain access to the pulp and the canals in the roots. The original filling material in the root canals is removed, and the canals are thoroughly cleaned and flushed out.  The roots are sealed to prevent subsequent bacterial invasion and the access hole is filled with a permanent filling.  In some cases, a new crown is recommended.

The majority of the time, root canal retreatment is preferable to losing your tooth.  If the tooth is extracted and has to be replaced with a bridge or implant, the time involved and cost are much greater than retreatment, and may not feel as natural as your original tooth.

Root canal retreatment in San Antonio, Texas

Do you suspect your root canal treatment is failing and needs retreatment?  Please dial (210) 405-0473 to book an appointment with Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio. Endodontic retreatment by Drs. Rick Davis and Rick Schwartz is a viable option to give your tooth a second chance.