Root Canal Retreatment
Should your root treated tooth become re-infected, our specialised equipment and expertise means we can achieve a similarly high success rate with root canal retreatment as we do with initial root canal treatment.
When carried out to a high technical standard, initial root canal treatment is very successful. Statistically, over 90% of root treated teeth will be present in ten years, which is comparable (or better) than most alternatives. However, not all treatments are successful initially and some teeth can become re-infected at a later date. If this occurs, it’s important that you don’t rush in to having the tooth extracted, as there’s a high probability the tooth can be saved with endodontic retreatment.
Why is root canal retreatment required?
The most common reason for unsuccessful initial treatment is persistent bacteria in the tooth. This usually occurs because of inadequate cleaning of the root canals. Reinfection that occurs several years after the initial treatment generally occurs because of more bacteria entering the tooth. This is commonly due to leaking fillings, decay or cracks that have developed in the tooth.
Expert retreatment services from our team
During root canal retreatment, our endodontists use operating microscopes and specialised equipment such as rotary endodontic files to clean closer to the root tip, locate and clean extra canals, and access complex anatomical features inside the root, such as fins, isthmuses and lateral canals. Using a microscope and expert skills, our endodontists are able to diagnose problems quickly and ensure the infection is completely removed so the problem does not reoccur after endodontic retreatment.
Step-by-step root canal retreatment procedure
- Assessment and diagnosis: Our endodontists will first conduct a comprehensive examination of the reinfected tooth, using advanced imaging techniques such as CBCT scans and operating microscopes to identify the cause of the problem and plan the retreatment.
- Accessing the tooth: The existing filling or crown is carefully removed to gain access to the root canals. This step is performed with precision to preserve as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
- Cleaning and shaping the canals: Using specialised tools, including rotary endodontic files, the canals are meticulously cleaned to remove any remaining infection. The endodontists also locate and address any previously untreated canals or complex anatomical features.
- Disinfection: After cleaning, the canals are thoroughly disinfected using antimicrobial solutions to ensure all bacteria are eradicated.
- Filling and sealing: The canals are then filled with a biocompatible material to seal the tooth and prevent future reinfection.
- Final restoration: Once the retreatment is complete, you will need to return to your dentist for a permanent crown or restoration. This step is crucial in ensuring the long-term integrity of the treated tooth.
Our compassionate & experienced team understands that any endodontic procedure can feel daunting When completed at our state-of-the-art practices, retreatment is typically as comfortable as initial therapy and our highly experienced specialist team ensures even the most complex cases are handled with professionalism and expertise. Preserving your tooth through root canal retreatment is a second chance to maintain natural functionality for eating and speaking while often avoiding costly replacement procedures. Our video gallery will also give you a better understanding of exactly what to expect when you visit our practice.
If you think your tooth may require retreatment, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team or request an appointment. We’re here to help.
