The goal for any dental procedure, including root canal therapy, is that the treatment will last a lifetime. However, sometimes the tooth does not heal correctly. This could happen even years after the treatment. When this occurs, we can treat it with an additional procedure called retreatment. This is done to save the tooth and relieve any pain a patient is feeling.
What Happens During A Retreatment Procedure?
The first step in the process is making an appointment with us so that we can go over your options. If we determine that you need retreatment, we will gain access to your tooth by reopening it. That way, we can see the filling material used in a root canal. We will need to disassemble and remove this material. Next, we will clean the root canals and thoroughly examine inside the tooth, to look for any other issues that require additional treatment.
Once the canals are cleaned, we will fill and seal them up with a temporary dental filling to the tooth. Sometimes a canal can be too narrow or blocked and we may suggest endodontic surgery, which means we will make an incision so that we can seal the other end of the root. After retreatment, you will want to make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible so that you can be fitted for a new dental crown or other restoration to protect the tooth.
Why Would I Need Retreatment?
There are a variety of reasons why a tooth may not heal properly after a procedure. These include not fully treating curved or narrow canals, a complicated canal anatomy that was not initially noticed, a delay in getting fitted for a crown or other restoration, and salivary contamination to the inside of a tooth.
Sometimes, new problems arise that can affect a successfully treated tooth. These include fracturing a tooth, having a crown chipped or cracked and exposing it to infection, or having the root canal filling exposed to decay.
Is There An Alternative To Retreatment Or Endodontic Surgery?
A tooth extraction is the only alternative to retreatment or endodontic surgery. This type of treatment will need to be followed by having a dentist replace the tooth with either a dental bridge, implant, or partial denture so that your biting and chewing can continue to function properly and to keep your adjacent teeth from moving out of alignment. Remember, your natural teeth are better than any replacements, and if you have already made an initial investment in saving your tooth, then a retreatment can help preserve that, offering you a natural smile for many years.
Technology’s Use In Retreatment
To serve you better, we use advanced dental technology to help us get a more precise picture during the retreatment procedure. The technology we utilize includes ultrasonic tools, microscopes, and fiber optic lights. Using these tools allows the treatment to go more smoothly and helps patients feel more comfortable.
Schedule An Appointment With Us For A Retreatment
If you have a tooth that is not healing correctly or that has become infected after a treatment, it may be time for a retreatment procedure. To learn more, schedule an appointment with us by calling or texting Omni Endodontics in El Paso, TX, today at 915-990-3636.
