Signs a tooth needs to be retreated with root canal therapy

The specialists at Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio have advanced training in nonsurgical root canal therapy. Dr. Rick Schwartz, Dr. Rick Davis, and Dr. Zac Liang are trained to provide surgical endodontic treatment. They can even preserve teeth that have been treated at other dentist’s offices. 

Root canal therapy has a high success rate. However, the symptoms of infection may persist. Our specialists provide retreatment options. They can successfully treat a tooth that has failed to heal following the initial procedure or that sustains more damage in the future. 

Signs your tooth may need to be retreated

Root canals inside the tooth contain blood vessels, nerves, and other tissues. These tissues may become damaged or infected due to bacteria. Symptoms of infections include: 

• Sensitive teeth
• Severe toothaches (wakes you up at night)
• Jarring pain when biting down
• Discoloration
• Abscesses or pockets of pus
• Swollen, dusky gums
• Tender gums
• Facial swelling
• Salty, fluid taste
• Swelling of lymph nodes under the jaw or neck
• Throbbing in the jawbone and neck

Patients with untreated infections may run a fever. They can experience problems with swallowing and breathing. Infections can spread to other parts of the body. Untreated infections are also associated with severe systemic diseases. It is essential to treat the underlying condition once and for all.

Candidates for retreatment

Patients who undergo root canal retreatment may experience many familiar symptoms. They could continue to experience the sensitivity, pain, swelling, and other signs of persistent infection mentioned above. Specialty care may be necessary to treat narrow or curved canals that were overlooked or not treated adequately during the initial procedure. Likewise, a restoration, such as a dental crown, can become damaged or worn over time. Old or cracked crowns allow harmful bacteria to re-enter and contaminate the root canals. 

Additionally, it is essential for all root canal patients to restore their teeth with crowns promptly. These restorations are needed to protect the treated tooth. They also strengthen teeth weakened due to fractures, decay, and other trauma. Failure to restore promptly and properly is associated with reinfection and needing further treatment or retreatment.

Contact Endodontic Consultants of San Antonio if your tooth is not healing properly or if a treated tooth has sustained damage and wear. Call (210) 405-0473 to schedule an appointment at our office in San Antonio, TX today.