Endodontic Retreatment

With proper care, teeth that have received endodontic treatment can last as long as your other natural teeth. However, occasionally a treated tooth may not heal completely or discomfort may persist. In some cases, pain can develop months or even years following the original procedure. When this happens, Dr. Kan may recommend Endodontic Retreatment.

Improper or Poor healing may result from:

• Complex or constricted canals that were missed during the original procedure.
• Hidden canals that were not identified during the initial treatment.
• Delays in placing the crown or restoration after the root canal procedure.
• A crown or restoration that allowed saliva to leak into the tooth’s interior.

Sometimes new issues can affect a tooth that was previously treated successfully:

• Fresh decay can expose the root canal filling, leading to infection.
• A damaged or loose filling or crown can allow bacteria to re-enter the tooth.

When retreatment is chosen to address your concerns, we will reopen your tooth to reach the existing root canal filling material. We’ll remove this material to access the root canals, then thoroughly clean the canals while carefully examining the inside of the affected tooth. After cleaning, we’ll refill and seal the canals before placing a temporary filling.

You’ll need to see your general dentist promptly after this procedure to have a permanent crown or restoration placed to fully restore your tooth’s function.