Endodontic Retreatment Can Save A Tooth

After a tooth has undergone root canal therapy (RCT), the treatment doesn’t necessarily last a lifetime. There’s always the possibility that the RCT will “fail” after a few decades. In other instances, a tooth that’s gotten a recent root canal can heal improperly and become diseased or painful after the procedure. A treated tooth in either of those conditions can be healed and saved with retreatment by an endodontist. 

From the front desk to follow-up, our patients’ needs come first at the office of Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC. We know that confidence about your smile and overall oral health affects the way you feel about yourself personally, socially and professionally. We are always at the forefront of dental research and use the latest diagnosis and treatment technology to help our patients deal with issues that require endodontic services.

If a tooth’s successful RCT has failed due to the passage of time, the new issues can be due to: 

• Decay that has exposed the substances in the fillings of the canals to bacteria, which promoted an infection. 
• The crown’s having been compromised by coming loose, breaking or cracking. 
• An element of the filling material having been dislodged. 

If a recent RCT hasn’t healed properly, it might be because: 

• The improper or lack of treatment of narrow or curved canals.
• Complex canal structure wasn’t noticed.
• The installation of the crown or another part of the restoration was deferred. 
• The tooth’s interior was contaminated by saliva. 

When an endodontist retreats an RCT, he (or she) reopens the tooth, takes out the original filling substances, looks for untreated canals and inspects for a new infection. He then eliminates any infection, cleans and shapes the canals, and installs fresh filling contents. The opening is plugged with a temporary filling until the infection has cleared up and a new crown can be installed. 

At the office of Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC, our board-certified endodontists provide each patient with the utmost care and best dental treatments possible. If you’re having difficulty with a tooth that’s already undergone root canal therapy, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

By Linda Ricks, DDS, MS, PC

July 29, 2021