If your dentist recommends a root canal retreatment, you probably remember what to expect from the first time you underwent this process. While you know to anticipate no pain during the procedure and only a mildly stressful recovery period afterward, you may be wondering why your tooth needs another root canal if it’s already had one before. Here’s why root canal retreatment can be necessary to keep you healthy.
Are Root Canal Retreatments Common?
Teeth that have received root canals last for as long as real healthy teeth in most cases, but it can be necessary to perform a retreatment if the chamber of a tooth becomes reinfected or if the whole infection was not eliminated the first time. This can happen months or even years after the initial procedure. Retreatment can eliminate this resurgent infection and allow the tooth to function for a lifetime afterward.
How Can I Tell if I Need a Root Canal Retreatment?
If you experience pain in your tooth several days after it receives a root canal, or if you develop swelling or an abscess in your gum, it is likely that you need a retreatment. This can happen because abscesses have a way of starting out undetectably small while a tooth is infected, allowing them to flare up after a root canal has been completed. The tooth can also be reinfected after a root canal due to saliva contamination or lingering infected tissue in its chamber or if it went too long before receiving a dental crown for protection.
In other cases, a tooth may need a second root canal a while after the initial treatment was completed. This can happen if a crack or new cavity forms in the tooth, resulting in its inner chamber being exposed. In some instances, the restoration placed on the tooth begins to break down, allowing bacteria to colonize the tooth again.
What Is a Root Canal Retreatment Like?
A root canal retreatment begins with the dentist opening the chamber of the tooth and removing the crown, filling, and other restorative material. They will then thoroughly clean the canals while taking special care to find any that may have been overlooked before. After the cleaning process is completed, your dentist will refill and reseal the tooth and place a new crown upon it for protection.
A root canal retreatment can turn your smile to a comfortable state while preventing the need for more invasive procedures like extractions. Receiving this procedure can allow your tooth to function for as long as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Molly Burton earned her dental degree at the University of Louisville and stays abreast of the latest methods and technology in her field through continuing education courses. She is proud to be a member of the Spear Study Club. Her office in Austin, TX, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as root canal treatments. If you suspect that you need a root canal retreatment, contact her office online or dial (512) 441-2098.