Root Canal Re-treatment

In some cases, root canal treatment is not successful. If the tooth does not heal correctly or a patient experiences post-treatment complications, the tooth may need further treatment. With root canal re-treatment, filler material is removed—usually by drilling through the crown. The canals are cleaned and re-packed, and a permanent filling is placed in the opening.

Some reasons why root canal re-treatment may be necessary include:

• cracked crown and/or leaking filling material

• curved or narrow canals not treated initially

• delay in getting the permanent restoration

• new decay allowing leakage into the tooth

• new fracture in the treated tooth

• saliva leaking along the margins

• undetected complex canal structures

Root canal re-treatment is very similar to the original procedure. Though the prospect of more endodontic treatment might not be pleasant, root canal re-treatment is fairly simple. Generally, the entire treatment can be completed in one or two visits.

For most individuals, root canal treatment and re-treatment remains a better alternative to extracting the tooth. If a tooth has good bone support, a solid surface, and healthy gums beneath it, it has a very good chance of being saved. Also, root canal re-treatment is often far less expensive than alternative treatments. Dental implants, extensive bridgework and the creation of aesthetically pleasing prosthetic teeth cost far more than working with the natural tooth.