Endodontic Retreatment
Saving your natural teeth is often the best option, and root canal retreatment can help achieve that.
Retreatment involves reopening the tooth to remove the previous root canal filling, thoroughly cleaning and reshaping the canals, and sealing them again to promote proper healing. This procedure addresses any unresolved issues or new complications, giving your tooth another chance to heal and function healthily.
Although root canal treatment is generally successful, there are cases where the tooth may not heal as expected, Retreatment might be necessary for several reasons:
Incomplete Healing: The tooth may not have fully healed after the first procedure, leading to persistent discomfort or infection.
Delayed Restoration: If the tooth wasn't restored with a crown or filling in time, bacteria could have re-entered, causing further damage.
Root Canal Reinfection or Decay: Even after a succesful initial treatment, new decay or cracks can occur, exposing the tooth to infection again.
Undetected Canals: Occasionally, the complex anatomy of the tooth, such as hidden or curved canals, might have been missed during the initial treatment.
How Retreatment Works
The process begins with your endodontist discussing the various treatment options available to you. If retreatment is deemed necessary, the procedure will commence with reopening the tooth to access the root canal. The existing restoration and previous filling material will be carefully removed to provide access to the canals requiring further attention. If you have a crown, the endodontist will need to drill through the crown to access the root canal.
Once the canals are accessible, your endodontist will conduct a thorough cleaning, utilizing advanced tools to examine the tooth for any hidden or complex issues that may have been overlooked during the initial treatment.
After the canals have been carefully cleaned and reshaped, they will be resealed,and a temporary filling will be placed to protect the tooth. It is important to follow up with your general dentist as soon as possible to have a new permanent crown or restoration applied, ensuring that the tooth is fully protected and restored to optimal function.
Consider retreatment if you notice any of the following:
Ongoing Pain or Sensitivity: If discomfort persists long after the original root canal, it may indicate that the tooth hasn't healed properly.
Gum Swelling or Tenderness: Any swelling or soreness around the treated tooth could suggest an underlying issue.
Darkening around the Root on X-ray: A Periapical (PA) X-ray may reveal darkening around the root of the tooth, which is a sign of infection or damage in the surrounding bone tissue.
Recurrent Sinus Congestion: Chronic sinus issues, particularly when they coincide with discomfort in your upper teeth or gums, could be linked to an infection affecting the tooth's roots.
Gum Pimples or Sinus Tracts: The reappearance of a small bump, known as a sinus tract, on the gum tissue can indicate an ongoing infection or abscess requiring further treatment.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult your endodontist at Prestige Dental Specialists in Fairfax County, serving Burke, Alexandria, Arlington and surrounding areas. Root Canal Retreatment can often prevent the need for more complex procedures like tooth extraction, helping to preserve your natural tooth.
