Endodontic Retreatment in Lexington & Belmont, MA



Eagle Endodontics provides endodontic retreatment in Lexington and Belmont, MA. Call to learn more and schedule your appointment. 

Most root canals are successful and the results last a lifetime. Occasionally, a tooth that has had a root canal in the past will become compromised and require endodontic retreatment. This procedure is essentially a second chance to save your tooth. Endodontic retreatment has a high success rate and helps patients avoid having to have their tooth extracted.


Why Endodontic Retreatment Is Needed


Some of the reasons you might need endodontic retreatment include:

  • Your treated tooth heals improperly or becomes painful months or years after your initial root canal.
  • You experience reinfection of the treated tooth due to new decay.
  • The treated tooth has complicated canal anatomy that wasn’t detected or treated during the first procedure.
  • Your restoration did not prevent salivary contamination.
  • The crown or filling on the treated tooth becomes loose or cracked.
  • Your treated tooth fractures or breaks.

What Happens During Endodontic Retreatment


Endodontic retreatment is performed in a manner similar to a root canal and for the same purposes: to save your natural tooth, relieve dental pain, and promote healing. 

The procedure begins by numbing the tooth and the tissue surrounding it with local anesthetic to ensure that the treatment is pain-free. Your tooth will be opened again in order to access the filling and canals. The filling is removed, then the canals are cleaned and Dr. Sarraf will examine the inside of the tooth with a microscope.t. Because general dentists do not typically use microscopes while performing root canals, Dr. Sarraf may find canals that weren’t identified during your initial procedure or unusual anatomy that needs treatment. These canals will also be cleaned and shaped.

New filling is placed in the tooth chamber, then the tooth is sealed. Your retreatment is complete and you’ll return to your dentist to restore the treated tooth with a crown or other restoration.


Frequently Asked Questions About Endodontic Retreatment