Re-Root Canal Treatment in Sevenoaks
Re-root canal treatment, also known as root canal retreatment, is a procedure used to treat a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment but has not healed as expected or has developed a new problem.
A previously root-treated tooth can sometimes develop persistent or recurrent infection, discomfort or inflammation. In suitable cases, retreatment may provide an opportunity to clean and disinfect the root canal system again and preserve the natural tooth.
At Sevenoaks Dental & Implant Centre, your dentist will assess the condition of the tooth and discuss whether re-root canal treatment, another endodontic procedure or an alternative treatment would be appropriate for you.
What Is Re-Root Canal Treatment?
Re-root canal treatment is a second endodontic procedure carried out on a tooth that has already received root canal treatment.
The purpose of retreatment is to gain access to the existing root canal system, remove previous filling material where necessary, clean and disinfect the canals and seal them again.
The exact procedure depends on why the original treatment has not achieved the expected result and on the condition of the tooth.
Why Might a Root Canal Need to Be Redone?
Root canal treatment is designed to remove infection from inside the tooth and seal the root canal system. However, problems can sometimes develop after treatment.
Possible reasons for retreatment include:
- A canal that was not identified during the original treatment
- Complex or unusual root canal anatomy
- Persistent infection within the root canal system
- New bacteria entering through decay or a damaged restoration
- A leaking or failing filling or crown
- Incomplete cleaning or sealing of the original root canal
- Development of a new problem affecting the treated tooth
Sometimes a tooth can remain symptom-free even though an abnormality is visible on an X-ray. Your dentist will consider the clinical findings and diagnostic images when deciding whether retreatment is appropriate.
What are the benefits of root canal retreatment?
Root canal treatment is virtually painless — infection and decay below the surface of your tooth can be painful. Root canal retreatment is virtually painless. Plus, the recovery is much more comfortable than a tooth extraction.
Root canal retreatment gives lasting results — root canal retreatment restores the integrity of your tooth and can prevent an extraction.
Root canal treatment is cost effective — root canal retreatment is generally less expensive than replacing your tooth.