Retreating Root Canals

Despite almost always working, there are rare cases where root canal treatment doesn’t go as planned and fails. The targeted tooth may not have healed properly or the tooth could have experienced complications after the surgery that jeopardized it.

This type of dental situation would require immediate root canal retreatment, which involves removing the packing material and crown, cleansing the root canals, and repacking and recrowning the tooth. Basically, retreatment is very much like the first procedure besides the structural removal, holding about a 75 percent success rate.

For most patients, root canal retreatment is the better option compared to tooth extraction. If teeth have strong bone support, a sturdy surface as well as healthy gums under them, there is a strong likelihood they can be salvaged.

Also, root canal retreatment is usually less costly than the possible alternatives. Bridgework, dental implants, and aesthetically appealing prosthetics cost much more than that of working with natural teeth. These alternatives also require more maintenance and don’t feel as natural as “real” teeth.

When Do I Need Retreatment?

While the idea of more surgery is likely not a pleasant one, root canal retreatment is simple and can generally be completed within one to three visits. There are many reasons why a root canal treatment can unexpectedly fail, including the following:

·Narrow or curved canals that weren’t originally treated.

·Delay of placement for restorative devices after the procedure.

·Filling material leaked from cracked crown.

·New tooth decay.

·Treated tooth has new fracture.

·Saliva entered restorative structure.

·Previously undetected multifaceted canal structures.

What is Involved in Retreatment?

To begin root canal retreatment, the dentist administers a localized anesthetic unless a different anesthetic was selected. The targeted tooth is isolated using a rubber dam, which protects teeth from saliva and bacteria during treatment. The amount of work dentists can do in one appointment will vary depending on how much inflammation is present as well as the treatment’s complexity.

The first step of retreatment is getting into the inner tooth, which involves removing the post and crown first if they were placed. The next step is removing filling material and any obstructions blocking the root canals. This process involves the use of ultrasonic handpieces, which have the advantage of vibrating any undesirable material loose.

Tiny instruments are then used for cleaning and reshaping the root canals, with X-rays possibly being taken to make sure the roots have been completely cleaned. If this stage of treatment ends up being more complex than anticipated, medicated packing material is applied, so that the remainder of the cleansing process can be done during another visit.

Once a dentist is assured their patient’s root canals are fully cleaned, they will use gutta-percha to pack in the space, which should prevent a buildup of bacteria. Lastly, a temporary filling or crown is applied to the tooth, and a permanent, color-matched crown is placed later.

These types of procedures can be expensive, but you can lessen the impact to your budget if you sign up for our New Hampshire discount plan for small business , individuals, and families. For more information, click here.

Copyright: bialasiewicz / 123RF Stock Photo