RE-TREATMENT

Which tooth would require endodontic (root canal) re-treatment?

Root canal re-treatment is required for teeth that have had endodontic treatment but have gotten re-infected or have not responded favourably to the root canal procedure.

Re-treatment may be necessitated by

• Narrow or curved canals that were not adequately treated in the initial procedure
• Complicated canal anatomy that went by undetected
• The placement of the crown or final filling was delayed or not completed following root canal procedure
• Another cavity in the tooth
• Fracture or crack of the tooth
• Persistence of micro-organisms despite the best efforts

What is the procedure for re-treatment of root canal?

The endodontist will re-enter your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. In many cases, complex restorative materials – crown, post and core material must be disassembled and removed in order to gain access. After removing the root filling, the endodontist can clean the canals and examine the inside of your tooth using magnification and illumination, searching for any additional canals or unusual anatomy that requires treatment. The canals are then cleaned, disinfected and sealed and a temporary filling is placed in the tooth.

Once your endodontic retreatment is completed, you need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have the tooth fully restored.