At Endodontic Specialists, our Toronto endodontists provide endodontic and root canal retreatment, which allows us another chance to potentially save your tooth if initial treatment has not yielded expected results. We serve patients in Toronto, the GTA, and worldwide.
Endodontic (Root Canal) Retreatment
Endodontic Retreatment allows us a second chance to potentially save your tooth. With proper care, most teeth that have endodontic (root canal) treatment can last as long as your other natural teeth.
In some cases, however, a tooth that has received endodontic treatment fails to heal or the pain continues. Occasionally, the tooth becomes painful or diseased months or even years after successful treatment.
If your tooth has failed to heal or has developed new problems, you have another chance to save your tooth. Another endodontic procedure may be able to reduce pain and discomfort, encourage healing, and save your tooth.
Benefits of Endodontic (Root Canal) Retreatment
If the interior of your tooth becomes infected or inflamed following your initial endodontic treatment, you may feel pain or discomfort due to new decay in the tooth, complicated canal anatomy, or other factors.
Root canal retreatment can help to alleviate painful symptoms. It can also address deficiencies, eliminate infections and repair defects, repairing function in your tooth.
Many patients who opt for root canal retreatment experience little pain or discomfort, and enjoy the use of a restored tooth. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal retreatment can last a lifetime.
Root Canal Retreatment FAQs
- What happens during endodontic retreatment?
You and your endodontist will discuss your treatment options. If it's decided that retreatment is the ideal option, the tooth will be reopened and the endodontist will remove the filling materials that had been placed in the root canals during the first procedure.
The tooth will be examined carefully for any new infections or additional canals. Any infections are removed, and the canals are cleaned and shaped. After new filling materials are placed, the endodontist will seal the opening with a temporary filling.
Healing of the tooth may require more than one visit. If the canals are unusually blocked or narrow, endodontic surgery may be recommended. The procedure requires the endodontist to make an incision so the other end of the root can be sealed.
After the tooth has healed, your dentist will place a new crown or other restoration to protect it and restore its complete function.
- Why might I need endodontic retreatment?
With any dental or medical procedure, there's a chance your tooth may not heal properly after initial treatment for a number of reasons, including:
- The inside of the tooth became contaminated by saliva.
- Placement of a crown, filling or other restoration was delayed after endodontic treatment.
- Narrow or curved canals were not detected or treated during the first procedure.
- Complicated canal anatomy was not detected prior to the first procedure.
You may also experience new problems with your teeth, which can put a tooth which was successfully treated in danger. These can include:
- The tooth may become infected due to new decay, which can leave the root canal filling susceptible to bacteria.
- A fractured tooth.
- A broken, loose or cracked filling or crown can leave the tooth vulnerable to infection.
- What are my other treatment options?
Before your tooth was originally treated with a root canal, your dentist likely explained that the only other treatment option was to remove the tooth. Now that you are experiencing pain in the tooth that was treated, your retreatment or endodontic surgery may be recommended.
During surgery (also known as an apicoectomy), the endodontist makes an incision at the tip of the tooth's root to surgically remove any infections.
Other than root canal retreatment or surgery, the only alternative is tooth extraction.
- What should I expect during recovery from root canal retreatment?
Every patient is unique and individual circumstances will differ, but you will receive personalized post-operative instructions to follow.
You may use over-the-counter pain medication to relieve any discomfort due to tissue inflammation (which should be minimal). If you notice intense pain or pus following endodontic retreatment, contact your endodontist right away.
If your recovery progresses well, you'll see your endodontist again within a week to check on your recovery. It's critical to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so a permanent restoration such as a crown or filling can be placed.
Because we continue to see advances in the field of endodontic treatment regularly, your endodontist may be able to use new techniques that weren't available when you had your original root canal treatment.