With proper care, most teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment (root implants) can last just as long as any other natural tooth. The success rate of root canals performed by endodontists (dental specialists) is 95%. In some cases, however, the endodontic treatment is not good. Sometimes a tooth can continue to be painful or diseased for months or years after successful treatment.
Why do I need retreatment?
As sometimes happens with any dental treatment or treatment, a tooth may not heal as well as expected after the initial treatment for a variety of reasons:
- No narrow or curved canals were treated at the initial surgery.
- During the initial surgery, the river complex was not identified.
- Placement of a crown or other implant was delayed after endodontic treatment.
- The restorations did not prevent osteolysis of the tooth.
- In other cases, another problem can threaten a well-treated tooth.
For example:
Further decay can allow bacteria to infect the enamel that fills the root canal, leading to new tooth disease. Loose, cracked or broken crowns or fillings can lead to further infection of the tooth. The tooth holds the fracture. Retreatment consists of two visits and includes the following:
- During the initial visit, the endodontist will examine the tooth, take X-rays, and discuss your treatment options. If you and your endodontist opt for a retreatment, future retreatments will be scheduled at that time.
- At the scheduled retreatment, the endodontist will administer local anesthesia to the tooth to soften the tooth. After the tooth fails, the edodontist will reopen your tooth and gain access to the filling materials. Often, hard restorations (crown, post, core) must be cut and removed to gain access to the root canal.
- Once the canal is filled, the endodontist can clean the canal and closely examine your tooth under a microscope, looking for new canals or abnormal anatomy that needs to be treated.
- After preparing the canals, the endodontist fills and seals the canals and temporarily fills the tooth. Post space can also be adjusted at this time.
- Once your endodontist has completed the treatment, you will need to return to your Toronto dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or restoration placed on the tooth to protect the tooth and restore function absolutely.
- If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, your dentist may recommend dental surgery.
