With proper care, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment can last just as long as a natural tooth. However, in some cases, the tooth may not heal as expected, or discomfort may persist. This pain can occur months or even years after the initial treatment. If this happens, Dr. Washington may recommend Endodontic Retreatment to address the issue.
Endodontic Retreatment
Why Might a Tooth Need Retreatment?
A tooth may not heal properly due to:
• Hidden or complex canals that were not fully treated during the initial procedure.
• Curved or narrow canals that were difficult to clean completely.
• Delayed crown or restoration placement, which allowed bacteria to re-enter the tooth.
• Improperly sealed crowns or restorations, leading to contamination from saliva.
Even a previously successful root canal can develop problems over time, such as:
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• New decay, which can expose the filling material and lead to infection.
• Cracked or loose fillings or crowns, allowing bacteria to enter the tooth.
What Happens During Retreatment?
If retreatment is necessary, Dr. Washington will carefully reopen the tooth to remove the previous root canal filling. The canals will be thoroughly cleaned and examined before being refilled and sealed. A temporary filling will then be placed.
After the procedure, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or restoration placed. This final step will protect the tooth and restore its full function.