Why is root canal retreatment required?

Improper healing may be caused by:

• Curved or narrow canals that were not treated during the initial treatment.
• Complicated canals that went undetected during the initial treatment.
• The crown or restoration was not placed within the appropriate amount of time following the procedure.
• The crown or restoration that did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth.

What does root canal retreatment involve?

During retreatment, the endodontist will reopen your tooth and remove the filling materials that were placed in the root canals during the first procedure. The endodontist then carefully examines the tooth, looking for additional canals or new infection. The endodontist then removes any infection, cleans and shapes the canals, and places new filling materials. The opening is then sealed with a temporary filling. Once the tooth heals, a new crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it, your general dentist will recommend the best restoration for your tooth. 

      
Inflamed Tissue                              Filling Removed                         Canals Cleaned                   
 

      

Root Material Placed                     Filling Restored                      Healed Tooth

If you have any questions or concerns about root canal retreatment, please ask your dentist.

http://www.aae.org/patients/treatments-and-procedures/endodontic-retreatment.aspx