A root canal can resolve severe pain and save a tooth from extraction due to injury or decay. While you can expect a root canal to last a lifetime with excellent care, it may need to be redone for reasons like a dentist’s error, the tooth not healing properly, or new decay or injury. Here’s a brief overview of what can make root canal retreatment necessary and what you can expect during the procedure.
Why Would I Need Root Canal Retreatment?
There are several reasons why a tooth may not heal properly after a root canal or why the restoration may become compromised. A few of these include:
- The infected soft tissue in narrow or curved canals was not removed during the original procedure.
- The protective dental crown was placed too long after the initial procedure.
- The interior of the tooth has become contaminated with saliva.
- A new cavity or fracture has exposed the interior of the tooth to new contamination.
- The restoration has deteriorated, allowing bacteria to reenter the chamber of the tooth.
What Happens During Root Canal Retreatment?
Before treatment, your endodontist will thoroughly discuss your options so you can understand them and make an informed decision. If root canal retreatment is determined to be the best course of action, it will begin with your endodontist numbing the area with local anesthetic and reopening the chamber of your tooth to remove the original filling material. They will then clean and sanitize the inside of the tooth, taking special care to find any additional canals. After this, they will refill the chamber, and you will receive a new crown to keep the tooth safe.
How Can I Prevent Needing Retreatment?
The best way to make sure your initial root canal lasts a lifetime is to take excellent care of your teeth. This means brushing, flossing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day as well as biannual appointments with your dentist so they can monitor your dental health and correct issues in their early stages. It’s also a great idea to wear an athletic mouthguard when playing sports and a nighttime mouthguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep to prevent the initial restoration from becoming compromised.
Root canal retreatments can prevent tooth loss and help keep a smile in great shape for life. If you need root canal retreatment, you can expect a comfortable procedure and a swift return to everyday life.
About the Practice
Parkway Endodontics is dedicated to providing the best oral health experiences the people of Lorain and Middleburg Heights, OH can find. Led by Drs. Peyman Vaziri and Rachel James, the staff delivers effective treatments in a friendly and compassionate environment. Areas of expertise include root canal treatments, oral sedation dentistry, and emergency dentistry. If you think your root canal may need retreatment, contact either location online.
