Seven steps involved in endodontic retreatment

If your dentist in McDonough, Georgia, has referred you to Dr. Rolin Desir and his team at McDonough Endodontic Center, you may need treatment that can only be performed by a skilled endodontist. This includes endodontic retreatment, which may be required if a previous root canal treatment has been unsuccessful in restoring a natural tooth after significant damage or infection. Let’s look at the steps required to complete the endodontic retreatment procedure.

What is the procedure of endodontic retreatment?

1. Initial examination. The first step in endodontic retreatment is to thoroughly examine the tooth and surrounding structures. This includes evaluating the patient’s dental history, current symptoms, and any previous treatment that has been performed on the tooth. Dental X-rays are also taken to assess the condition of the root canal system and detect any potential issues, such as missed canals or broken instruments. The initial examination will help our doctors determine if retreatment is necessary and what specific steps need to be taken.
2. Access preparation. Once it has been determined that endodontic retreatment is needed, our endodontists begin by accessing the root canal system. This involves creating an access opening in the tooth, usually through a crown or filling. This allows for proper visualization and access to the root canal system.
3. Removal of previous materials. The next step in endodontic retreatment is to remove any previous treatment materials from the root canal system. This includes gutta-percha, a rubber-like material used to fill and seal the canals during initial treatment.
4. Cleaning and shaping. After all previous materials have been removed, our team thoroughly cleanses and shapes the canals using small instruments called files. This removes any remaining infection or debris and creates an ideal environment for filling the canals.
5. Irrigation and disinfection. Throughout the cleaning and shaping process, our team uses a specialized solution to irrigate the canals. This solution helps to disinfect the area and prevent any further infection.
6. Filling the canals. Once the canals have been thoroughly cleaned and shaped, they are ready to be filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. This rubber-like substance is placed into the canals using small files and compacted tightly to seal off any potential entry points for bacteria.
7. Restoring the tooth. After completing root canal treatment, our team fills in the access hole made at the beginning of the procedure with a temporary filling material. Then, the final restoration is typically done by your general dentist.

Where can I learn more about endodontic retreatment procedures?

If you are a resident in or around the area of McDonough, Georgia, and believe that you might need endodontic retreatment or other endodontic services, call (770) 954-8672 to request an appointment or talk to your dentist about getting a referral to McDonough Endodontic Center. Our providers are here to help you with your oral health needs when your dentist does not have the skills or experience to save your teeth from extraction! Our office is located at 1705 Highway 20 W, Suite 200, and is open to new patients.