Endodontic retreatment is a dental procedure that involves removing the existing root canal filling and replacing it with a new one. This procedure is performed when the initial root canal treatment has failed or when the patient experiences persistent pain and discomfort in the treated tooth. In this blog, we will discuss the reasons for endodontic retreatment, the procedure involved, and the benefits.
Reasons for Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment may be necessary for several reasons:
- Incomplete cleaning: In some cases, the initial root canal treatment may not have thoroughly cleaned the tooth’s root canals, leading to the persistence of bacteria and infection.
- New decay: If a tooth’s filling or crown becomes damaged, new bacteria can enter the tooth, leading to a new infection.
- Cracks or fractures: Sometimes, a tooth may crack or fracture, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth and cause infection.
- Defective restoration: If a tooth’s filling or crown is not properly placed or sealed, it can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, leading to infection.
Procedure for Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment involves several steps:
- Removal of existing filling: The dentist will remove the existing filling, crown, or post, and access the root canals.
- Cleaning and shaping: The dentist will clean and shape the root canals to remove any bacteria, debris, or infected tissue.
- Filling the canals: The dentist will then fill the root canals with a new filling material, typically gutta-percha.
- Restoration: After the root canal is filled, the dentist will restore the tooth with a new filling or crown.
Benefits of Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment benefits include:
- Saving the tooth: Retreatment can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
- Pain relief: Endodontic retreatment can relieve pain and discomfort caused by an infected tooth.
- Improved oral health: It can improve oral health by removing infection and bacteria from the tooth.
- Cost-effective: Endodontic retreatment is often less expensive than tooth extraction and replacement with a dental implant or bridge.
In conclusion, endodontic retreatment is a dental procedure that can save a tooth from extraction and relieve pain and discomfort caused by infection. If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort in a previously treated tooth, talk to your dentist about endodontic retreatment as a possible solution.
If you have been experiencing issues with a tooth that has had a previous root canal, contact our endodontic office to schedule a consultation.