Categories: Retreatment

When Discomfort Returns After A Root Canal

Root canal treatment can help relieve pain caused by an infected tooth. After this procedure, you may expect to get back to your day-to-day activities without worry. Unfortunately, though, there are some cases where you may need to have the area treated again. While this can be frustrating, Omni Endodontics in El Paso, TX, offers retreatment that can examine the area and avoid the need for extraction when possible.

Signs That You May Need Retreatment

The goal of root canal therapy is to remove the infected pulp, which can relieve the discomfort that it can cause. After this procedure, you may need several days to recover. The area may be sensitive, but if you are feeling persistent discomfort, the area is swollen, or you have difficulty eating certain foods, you may need to have the area looked at again. These symptoms may be indicators that the tooth may have been chipped in the process, or the damaged area was not fully removed.

Should It Be Retreated Or Removed?

To help decide the best course of action, your endodontist will need to do another examination of your oral cavity. They will reopen the area to inspect the tooth that has been worked on. During retreatment, the area will be cleaned again, and a temporary material will be used to fill this area. This temporary filling is medicated so that the space can be thoroughly cleaned. The goal for this is to reduce the chances of the area becoming reinfected. Once the area is healed, it will be cleaned again, and permanent material will be used. After this, your dentist will likely place a new crown on top to further protect the area.

In some cases, it may be in your best interest to have the tooth removed. This may be suggested if the area is susceptible to infection. Your dentist will do their best to restore the tooth, but this may not be possible in some scenarios. After the tooth has been extracted, you can discuss prosthetic replacement options with your dentist. It is important to replace these missing teeth to avoid further tooth loss and changes to your chewing and speaking ability.

Preventing The Need For A Root Canal

Restorations are a helpful way to avoid permanent tooth loss, but there are ways to prevent the need for this procedure. You can reduce your chance of a cavity by having a proper oral hygiene routine that includes brushing and flossing daily. If you do develop tooth decay, do not put off getting a dental filling. This helpful treatment stops the progression of a cavity and protects the tooth from further damage.