Non-Surgical Root Canal Retreatment
Endodontic Retreatment may be necessary if the root canal becomes reinfected. This is usually due to decay or untreated canal areas. The patient may experience swelling or discomfort in chewing.
Sometimes a patient may not be experiencing any symptoms, but is referred to us by their dentist because an x-ray shows that there is a problem with a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy.
What Happens During Root Canal Retreatment?
Step one:
After the tooth is "numbed", the canal system will be reopened to remove the previous root canal material. A small hole in the existing restoration is made and work is performed through that opening. The canals are then thoroughly cleaned and shaped along their entire length.
Step two:
The canals are refilled with gutta-percha and the opening is sealed with a sterile cotton pellet and a temporary filling.
Step three:
The tooth will need to be restored by your dentist. If your existing crown can be saved, then you will need to have it repaired. If you do not have a crown, it may be recommended.
Over a period of months, the bone will heal around the end of the root.
