Root Canal Retreatment

Why Do I Need A Root Canal Retreatment?

Unhealed Abscess From First Root Canal

As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after an initial root canal treatment for a variety of reasons:



• Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure
• Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.
• The crown or other restoration was not placed soon enough after the procedure.
• The restoration did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth.

New Abscess Caused By Trauma to the Tooth

In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example: New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth.

• A loose, cracked, or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection.
• Trauma causing root fracturing.
• Coronal leakage.

First, our endodontist will discuss your treatment options. If you elect root canal retreatment, Dr. Burroughs will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. Here's a step by step process of endodontic retreatment:

1) In many cases, complex restorative materials - crown, post, and core material - must be disassembled and removed to permit access to the root canals.

2) After removing the canal filling, Dr. Burroughs can clean the canals and carefully examine the inside of your tooth, searching for any additional canals or unusual anatomy that requires treatment.

3) After cleaning the canal(s), our team, alongside Dr. Burroughs, will fill and seal the canal(s) and place a temporary filling in the tooth. Post space may also be prepared at this time.

4) After a final visit with Burroughs Endodontics, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function. We can also do this, if you were not referred by your dentist.

5) If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, Dr. Burroughs may recommend endodontic surgery. This surgery involves making an incision near the end of the root to allow the tip of the root to be sealed.