Many people cringe when they hear they need to have a root canal. But, the truth is that these procedures are becoming so common that they don’t feel any more involved than getting a cavity filled.
Root canals save teeth that have been subjected to bad decay or infection. Dentists can clean out the decay, cure the infection, and strengthen the tooth with a crown. And, although most of the time, this tooth will last a lifetime, sometimes it needs to be retreated.
If you need root canal retreatment, here’s what you need to know.
Why A Root Canal Retreatment May Be Needed
If a tooth doesn’t heal correctly after having a root canal, you may begin to experience pain and discomfort later - even years and months later! A trip to the dentist may result in you needing a root canal retreatment.
This may leave you wondering why your tooth needs to be retreated. Did something go wrong? Why didn’t the tooth heal? Should you be concerned?
First and foremost - there is no cause for alarm. Most often, root canals last without ever needing to be retreated. But it happens from time to time - and it doesn’t mean that anything is wrong. In fact, here are a few reasons why a root canal may require this extra attention.
Additional decay. Sometimes decay may form near the tooth, causing the root canal to be exposed to bacteria. And, as a result, a new infection may form within the tooth.
Hidden bacteria. Your dentist cleans out your bacteria before finishing the root canal. But if you have a root canal that has narrow canals or those that are difficult to access, then these areas may not have been treated as strongly as needed during the procedure.
Delayed crown placement. If you didn’t get your crown right away after the root canal, any length of time between the procedures leaves you susceptible to infection.
Restoration or tooth damage. Crowns can become loose or crack and teeth can crack, too. This allows bacteria to make their way into the tooth and become infected.
Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many reasons why a retreatment may be necessary. Your dentist will be able to examine your teeth and determine whether or not the procedure is needed.
What to Expect During a Root Canal Retreatment
A root canal retreatment is very similar to the first root canal. The area around the tooth will be numb so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort, only slight pressure. Your dentist will remove the crown and reopen the tooth. At that time, the canal filling will be removed as well as any infection that may be present - whether new or previously untreated.
Your dentist will carefully and diligently go through your canals making sure to address any infection or area that needs attention. When all looks good and the tooth is disinfected, your dentist will put a filling in the canal again and your endodontist will place a temporary covering over the root canal opening. Your dentist will then replace that with a crown.
Root Canal Retreatment at Eagle Endodontics
At Eagle Endodontics, we want to ensure that you have the healthiest smile. So if that means having to retreat a root canal, then that is what we will do - regardless of the reason.
Our expert team is waiting to give you a comfortable dental experience that will relieve your pain and send you home feeling good and confident that you made the right choice with Eagle Endodontics.
We have two locations for your convenience:
Call us today to make an appointment - or schedule one online!