With appropriate care, an endodontically (root canal) treated tooth can last for as long as a natural tooth.  Occasionally, however, the infection associated with the tooth that underwent endodontic treatment may not heal, symptoms may persist, and/or symptoms may resolve and then reappear due to reinfection.

In many of these cases, Endodontic Retreatment may be helpful to repair your tooth.

Endodontic retreatment involves re-opening your previously root canal-treated tooth to gain access to the existing root canal filling material.  The inside of the tooth is carefully examined under a microscope for the possible presence of cracks or root canals that may not have been located and appropriately disinfected previously.  Then, the old root canal filling material is carefully removed, and the root canal system is disinfected and re-filled.

To maximize success of retreatment, the procedure is often performed in two visits.   During the initial treatment visit, the tooth is re-accessed, the old root filling material is retrieved, and any, previously unfilled root canal anatomy is identified.  The root canal system is cleaned, and an antibacterial medicine is placed inside of the root canal system.  This medicine remains inside of a tooth for 2-4 weeks, or until one's symptoms largely subside if not completely resolve.  Then, during the second treatment visit, the medicine is rinsed from the root canal space, and new root canal filling material is placed.

Our goal is to provide the most predictable treatment possible.  If we believe that endodontic retreatment is not the best option, given various clinical and/or radiographic findings, we will inform you, as well as discuss alternative treatment options for you.  Your health is our priority.