Endodontic retreatment is a procedure in which an endodontist removes the original fillings from the root canal and then cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth. The dentist then fills and re-seals the canals. The goal is to save the natural tooth, as with any other root canal. Getting your root canal redone will be very similar to your first procedure.
Your dentist will use new techniques, technologies, and anesthetic medications to make the treatment more effective and comfortable than before. Once your mouth is numb, they'll remove the dental crown (if needed) and reopen the tooth. Then, they'll remove the canal filling, as well as any tissue that hasn't been treated before or that has recently been infected. No, the crown is almost never removed for re-treatment by the root canal.
In many cases, the endodontist can check the crown and complete the treatment. Your dentist will tell you if you need a new crown or if the old one can be repaired. Here's why you might need a new endodontic treatment and what you can expect when repairing your smile. When a root canal is not successful, symptoms may return a few months to a few years later. While you expect your endodontic treatment to last a lifetime, unfortunately, this isn't always the case.
Keep in mind that reinfection can occur weeks, months, or even years after the original endodontic treatment. If endodontics was unsuccessful, x-rays can guide the endodontist in determining the best course of action and treatment plan. If there is a crown, a small hole can be removed or drilled to access the pulp and root canals. Checking if these areas are infected or inflamed will help them determine if you're healing or if you have a faulty root canal. Retreatment has the highest success rate for defective root canals and is the most common treatment solution. The European Journal of Dentistry found that the overall success rate of endodontics and other endodontic treatments ranges from 86 to 98%.
A successful endodontic treatment saves the natural tooth and extends its life to match other healthy teeth. Remember that it's normal to feel some pain after a root canal, and you may feel discomfort for several days afterward. While root canals are common and have a high success rate, any dental procedure has a risk of complications.
