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Root Canal Retreatment
Root canal re-treatment is an effective way to resolve unexpected complications
Root canal treatment is a highly preferable alternative to tooth extraction. Even in the occasional event of complications arising after root canal therapy, re-treatment is a much stronger option than extraction. If the tooth still has a solid surface, strong bone support and healthy gums, there’s a 75% chance of success for root canal re-treatment.
Root canal re-treatment is almost identical to the original procedure.
The alternatives to root canal re-treatment include dental implants, extensive bridgework and prosthetic teeth — all of which are more expensive and time-consuming to apply and maintain, while failing to wholly replicate the appearance and function of your natural tooth.
Though undergoing more oral surgery may sound unappealing to Vero Beach patients like you, the entire root canal re-treatment process can be completed in as few as one visit to Dr. Smith.
Root canal re-treatment can correct unexpected complications
Your original root canal therapy may need re-treatment for reasons that include:
- Cracked crown
- Delay in placement of restoration after the procedure
- New tooth decay in treated tooth
- Break or fracture in treated tooth
- Undetected, complex or narrow canal structures that weren’t fully treated
What does root canal re-treatment involve?
Root canal re-treatment is typically performed under local anesthetic, and involves the use of a rubber dental dam to protect the affected tooth from bacteria and saliva.
The degree of inflammation in the surrounding gum tissues and the complexity of the treatment will determine how much work Dr. Smith is able to perform in the initial procedure.
Dr. Smith will first gain access to the interior of the tooth by removing the crown and post placed during the original root canal therapy. Filling materials and obstructions to the root canals will next be removed using an ultrasonic hand piece designed to vibrate the materials out of place.
Tiny instruments will then be used to clean and reshape the root canals. X-rays may be taken to confirm that they have been thoroughly cleaned. If this part of the treatment is too complex, medicated packing material will be placed inside the tooth and the rest of the cleansing procedure will take place at a follow-up visit.
When Dr. Smith is confident that the root canals are completely clean, a rubbery substance will be used to pack the space, sealing the canals to prevent bacterial colonization.
The tooth will then be ready for restoration.