Root canal retreatment is a specialized dental procedure designed to save your natural tooth when a previous root canal treatment hasn’t fully healed or new complications have developed.
With proper care, teeth that have undergone root canal therapy can last as long as other natural teeth. However, sometimes the tooth may not heal as expected or may become painful or infected months or even years after successful treatment.
If this happens, root canal retreatment gives your tooth a second chance. By carefully cleaning and sealing the canals again, your dental specialist can create the right environment for healing and long-term success.
Why Would I Need Root Canal Retreatment?
- Untreated anatomy: Narrow, curved, or complicated root canals may have been missed.
- Delayed restoration: Waiting too long to place a crown after root canal treatment.
- Salivary contamination: If the filling or crown didn’t seal the tooth properly, bacteria from saliva may re-enter the canals.
New problems can also jeopardize a previously successful root canal:
- New cavities exposing the root canal filling.
- A loose, cracked, or broken crown or filling.
- A fracture in the tooth structure.
What Happens During Retreatment?
- Consultation: Your endodontist reviews your case and discusses options.
- Reopening the tooth: Old crown, post, or filling may be removed to access the canals.
- Cleaning: Filling material is removed; canals are inspected with magnification for hidden canals, fractures, or unusual anatomy.
- Refilling & sealing: Canals are disinfected, refilled, and sealed; a temporary filling is placed.
- Surgery if required: If canals are blocked, a minor apical surgery may be needed to seal the root tip.
- Final restoration: You return to your dentist to place a new crown or final restoration to protect the tooth.
Is Retreatment the Best Choice?
Whenever possible, saving your natural teeth is the preferred option. Retreated teeth can function well for years or even a lifetime when properly restored and maintained. Modern endodontic technology increases the chances of successful retreatment compared to older methods.
How Much Does Root Canal Retreatment Cost?
The cost depends on the case’s complexity, whether existing restorations (crowns, posts) must be removed, and the time needed to locate and treat unusual anatomy. Retreatment is often more complex and therefore more costly than the initial treatment, but saving the natural tooth frequently balances the expense versus extraction and replacement.
Alternatives to Retreatment
- Endodontic surgery: A surgical approach to access and seal the root tip (apical surgery).
- Tooth extraction and replacement: Options include dental implants, bridges, or removable dentures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is root canal retreatment?
Retreatment is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort after the appointment is normal and typically temporary. How long does retreatment take?
The procedure typically requires 1–2 visits, depending on complexity and whether surgery is needed. Is retreatment always successful?
Many retreatments are successful, especially with modern techniques. Success depends on the tooth’s condition, anatomy, and presence of fractures. What happens if I don’t retreat the tooth?
If left untreated, infection can spread, cause pain and swelling, and may eventually result in tooth loss or the need for extraction. How soon can I return to normal activities?
Most patients return to their routine the same day. Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your dentist places the permanent crown or restoration.
AbuMaizar Center Our specialists are dedicated to saving natural teeth whenever possible. Contact us to book a consultation and learn whether root canal retreatment is right for you.
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