Why You Might Need Root Canal Retreatment

When a tooth has become severely damaged or infected, root canal therapy may be the only way to save it. A tooth that has been repaired by a root canal can last the rest of your life if it’s maintained properly. While this treatment is highly successful, there is a possibility you will need to have it redone in the future. Continue reading to learn from your emergency dentist in Oklahoma City why this may be the case and what you can expect during the root canal retreatment process.

What Are Reasons a Root Canal Might Need to Be Done a Second Time?

Just like any dental procedure, there is a slight chance a tooth won’t heal as it should after a root canal. This can be caused by a variety of things, such as:

• Complicated canal anatomy: Bacteria can hide in canals that are narrow, curved, or otherwise complex.
• Delayed crown placement: If there was a sizeable period between getting a root canal and crown, bacteria could have already attacked and infected the tooth.
• Salivary contamination: Saliva is necessary for a healthy smile, but if it gets in a tooth that wasn’t completely sealed, this can lead to trouble.

Here are a few problems unrelated to the original root canal that can threaten a treated tooth:

• Additional decay: If new decay forms near the treated tooth, it can expose the root canal filling to bacteria and cause an infection.
• Restoration damage: When your crown or filling becomes loose or cracked, bacteria can invade.
• Tooth damage: If your tooth sustains a crack or fracture, bacteria can access the inner layers and contaminate them.

What Should You Expect During a Retreatment?

Having a root canal redone will be very similar to the first time you got it. If it has been a long time, your dentist may be using some new techniques, technology, or numbing medication to make the treatment more effective and comfortable for you. Once your mouth has been numbed, your dentist will remove the dental crown if necessary and reopen the tooth.

Next, the canal filling and untreated or newly infected tissue will be taken out. A combination of illumination, magnification, and other equipment will be used to carefully search for any additional canals or other things that may require treatment. Lastly, your root will be disinfected, refilled, and sealed with a filling and/or crown depending on your needs.

Root canals are highly effective, but not everything always goes as planned. If you need to have one redone, you can rest assured you have nothing to worry about!

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey Hermen has been working hard for the smiles of patients in Oklahoma City, Edmond, Deer Creek, Piedmont, Yukon, and surrounding areas for more than 30 years. He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma and is a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association. If you need a root canal or retreatment, he offers same-day appointments and sedation dentistry. Schedule an appointment on his website, but if it’s an emergency, call (405) 621-2100.