(801) 212-9061
7555 Center View Ct Suite 104 West Jordan, UT 84084
Retreatment of Root Canals in West Jordan
Root canal retreatment is a procedure performed when a tooth that has undergone a root canal and fails to heal properly or develops new problems. While the success rate of initial root canal treatment is high, there are instances where retreatment is needed.
If you believe you may need retreatment of a root canal, contact us today to schedule an appointment (801) 212-9061.
Details of Root Canal Retreatment
When is Retreatment Necessary?
- Persistent Symptoms: Despite a successfully completed root canal, some patients may continue to experience pain, sensitivity, or discomfort, indicating that the tooth hasn’t healed properly.
- Secondary Infection: Recurrent infections can occur if the initial root canal treatment fails to remove all the bacteria, if the tooth’s restoration leaks, or if new decay exposes the root canal filling to bacteria.
- Complicated Canal Anatomy: Sometimes, complex anatomical structures of the root canals may not be completely treated in the first procedure, these will need retreatment.
The Process of Root Canal Retreatment
- Removal of the Existing Filling: The procedure begins by carefully removing any crown and the old filling material to access the root canal.
- Thorough Cleaning: The dentist will then carefully clean the canals, removing the old root canal filling material and any present infection or debris.
- Advanced Diagnostics: Utilizing tools like digital X-rays or dental microscopes, the dentist examines the tooth’s canals for any missed areas or additional canals that require treatment.
- Addressing Hidden Canals: In cases where canals were missed or untreated during the initial procedure, they are now cleaned, shaped, and prepared for the new filling.
- Filling and Sealing the Canals: After making sure all canals are treated, they are filled with new, biocompatible material and sealed to prevent future infections.
- Final Restoration: A new crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to restore its shape, appearance, and function.
Restoration After Retreatment
- Temporary Filling: Immediately following the procedure, a temporary filling is often placed on the tooth to protect it.
- Permanent Restoration: Once healing is confirmed, a permanent restoration like a crown is placed to fully restore the tooth’s functionality and aesthetics.
Benefits of Retreatment
- Eliminating Infection and Discomfort: The primary goal of retreatment is to eliminate infection, relieve pain, and promote healing.
- Preservation of the Natural Tooth: Retreatment is focused on saving the natural tooth, which is beneficial for maintaining proper chewing function, jawbone integrity, and the appearance of your smile.
- Avoiding More Invasive Procedures: By successfully retreating the root canal, more invasive procedures like tooth extraction and dental implants can often be avoided.
Common Misconceptions
Misconception: Retreatment is a Sign of a Failed Procedure
Fact: The need for retreatment doesn’t necessarily mean the initial procedure failed. It can be due to new decay, a fractured tooth, or complex canal anatomy that wasn’t fully treated initially.
Misconception: Extraction is a Better Option Than Retreatment
Fact: Retreatment is often preferable to extraction as it helps preserve the natural tooth, which is beneficial for oral health and function.
Misconception: Root Canal Retreatment is More Painful than the Initial Procedure
Fact: Root canal retreatment is typically no more uncomfortable than the original procedure, especially with modern anesthesia and techniques.
Root canal retreatment plays a crucial role in dental health, offering a solution to save a tooth that has not responded as expected to the initial treatment.
If you’re experiencing issues with a previously treated root canal or have concerns about your oral health, call our office at (801) 212-9061.
Frequently Asked Questions
Root canal retreatment is a procedure performed on a tooth that has previously undergone a root canal but has failed to heal properly or has developed new problems. This can occur due to various reasons such as complex canal anatomy that was not fully treated in the first procedure, delayed placement of the crown or other restorations, or new decay that has exposed the root canal filling material to bacteria. Retreatment involves removing the old root canal filling, cleaning the canals, reshaping them if necessary, and placing new filling material.
While root canals have a high success rate, retreatment is sometimes necessary. It’s not common, but it’s a routine procedure performed when the initial treatment doesn’t lead to the desired outcome, or the tooth develops new issues.
Signs that may indicate the need for root canal retreatment include persistent pain or discomfort in the treated tooth, swelling, or a feeling of tenderness when biting down. In some cases, there might be no symptoms, but an X-ray during a routine check-up can reveal a problem.
The fundamental steps of retreatment are similar to the initial root canal – cleaning, shaping, and filling the canals. However, retreatment can be more complex and time-consuming as it involves the additional step of removing the existing filling material and possibly dealing with complications such as canal obstruction or damage to the tooth structure.
As with the initial root canal, modern anesthesia and techniques make retreatment relatively pain-free. Some discomfort or mild pain post-procedure is normal but usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Root canal retreatment generally has a high success rate, though it’s slightly lower than the initial treatment due to the complexities involved. Success depends on factors like the extent of the damage and the patient’s overall oral health.
Alternatives to retreatment include tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge. However, retaining the natural tooth is usually preferable, and retreatment is often the best option to achieve this.
The duration of retreatment can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure. It often takes longer than the first root canal treatment and may require multiple visits to complete.
In most cases, a new crown or restoration will be necessary after retreatment to protect the tooth and restore its function and appearance.
Post-retreatment care involves good oral hygiene practices – regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Avoid chewing hard foods with the treated tooth until it has been fully restored and is fully healed.
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M 8AM–5PM | Tu 8AM–5PM | Wed 7AM–6PM | Th 8AM–5PM | Fr 8AM–5PM
We are OPEN for ALL dental care procedures and emergency needs. Protecting the health and safety of our patients, families, and team members remains our number one priority.
Free $50 Gift Card*
$50 Gift Card when you complete an appointment with us!
*Redeemable after completed paid treatment. Must be a new patient to our organization and must not have been seen in ANY OF OUR LOCATIONS. The patient will receive a gift card via email or SMS after completion of their appt.
Free Exam & X-ray^
For New Patients without insurance we offer Free Exam and X-rays!
^For New Patients that do not have dental insurance. New patients must be 18 or older to receive free exam and x-rays. Discounts cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans. Additional fees may be included in individual cases.
$99 Hygiene Visit^^
For New Patients without insurance we offer Free Exam and X-rays!
^^For new patients without dental insurance. Includes Exam, X-Ray and Routine Cleaning. A Periodontal Cleaning requires additional fees, and rescheduled for further treatment. Cannot be combined with other offers or dental discount plans.
