Whenever possible, it is best to save your natural tooth. Retreated teeth can function well for years, often for a lifetime. In most cases, the success rate of endodontic retreatment is equivalent to implant placement

As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial endodontic therapy (root canal treatment) for a variety of reasons. If the infection did not heal properly, placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed, or new decay has formed, you may need endodontic retreatment in order to save your tooth.

Retreatment Procedure

First, Dr. Brown will discuss your treatment options. If you and Dr. Brown choose retreatment, he will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. Removal of the restoration and filling material allows access to blocked canals.

After removing the canal filling, Dr. Brown can clean the canals and carefully examine the inside of your tooth using magnification and illumination, searching for any additional canals or anatomy that requires treatment.

Dr. Brown will clean the canals, seal them, and place a temporary filling in the tooth. If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, endodontic surgery may be recommended.

After Dr. Brown completes retreatment, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to its full function.