Teeth that have been previously treated with root canal therapy are capable of being retained in the mouth as long as any other tooth, provided decay, periodontal disease, fracture, or traumatic injury do not create issues of health and viability. Indeed, the same things that can cause endodontic involvement may also cause an endodontically treated tooth to fail.

In cases where failure of non-surgical endodontic treatment occurs, need for endodontic retreatment may be indicated, especially if it appears a canal may exist that was not originally treated, or the previously placed root canal filling material was not adequately placed.

During retreatment, an opening is created in the chewing surface of the involved tooth. The existing root canal filling material is removed, the canal system is cleaned, the canals additionally shaped if necessary, and then the system filled and sealed with an inert rubberized endodontic filling material. This procedure is usually accomplished in a single appointment.

If you have a tooth that has been previously treated with root canal therapy, but is still sensitive to pressure, chewing, or has an ache associated with it of and by itself, whether it is constant or intermittent (comes and goes), you are potentially at risk of developing severe complications. Your symptoms need to be adequately evaluated and treated accordingly. If you are experiencing any of the described symptoms, please call us. We are interested in helping you to not only save your tooth, but to also remain physically healthy.

Many times multiple issues will affect a tooth, therefore, causing non-surgical endodontic treatment to fail. This is commonly the case when issues such as separated instruments exist from previous treatment, or blocked canals. In cases such as these, it is not uncommon for endodontic retreatment to be combined with surgical treatment in an attempt to optimize the potential for a healing result.