What Is Endodontic Retreatment?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure designed to relieve tooth pain and restore damaged teeth. With a 95 percent success rate, root canals save millions of teeth worldwide each year. However, a tooth may not heal properly in some rare cases, causing continued pain. The good news is that endodontic retreatment will help promote healing and restore the affected tooth’s health and function.
Why Would a Tooth Require Endodontic Retreatment?
A range of factors can interfere with the success of root canal therapy. A tooth’s root canals are thin, forking structures deep inside the tooth containing soft pulp tissues, nerves, and blood vessels. Some teeth have unusual anatomies, with narrow or curved canals that can go undetected or fail to respond to treatment.
In some cases, the root canals may become recontaminated due to improperly placed or the delayed placement of restorations, such as dental crowns. Other factors contributing to the need for endodontic retreatment include new decay or infection, a crack or fracture in the affected tooth, or damaged dental work.
With all the advances and changes in how root canal therapy is performed today, we may have newer techniques that weren’t available when you had your initial procedure. Endodontic retreatment usually resolves the problem, restoring the affected tooth’s health and function.
What Is the Endodontic Retreatment Procedure?
Endodontic retreatment is similar to a root canal treatment, with a few extra steps. Our team will numb the area for your comfort and make an opening in the tooth’s crown to access the root canals and remove the filling materials. We will clean and reshape the pulp chamber and use a microscope to search for any unusual anatomy or additional canals that require treatment.
The next step is cleaning and sterilizing the root canals, then placing a new filling material to seal the area. Even with the latest endodontic technology, you may require more than one visit to complete the treatment.
After your endodontic treatment, you will require a dental crown or other restoration to protect your tooth and restore its full function and natural appearance. Just as with root canal therapy, your treated tooth has the potential of lasting a lifetime with proper care.
Endodontic Retreatment Near Me
Contact Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics if a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy continues to cause pain. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine whether you require endodontic retreatment. We are proud to offer exceptional, comfortable care for long-term healthy smiles. Call us to schedule your appointment today!