When might a McDonough, GA patient require endodontic retreatment?

Smiling Woman

In most cases, when a tooth has been treated with endodontic therapy, or “root canal therapy,” it will continue to last as long as the remaining natural teeth in the smile. However, there are times when a tooth that has received root canal therapy fails to heal. Pain may continue, and patients might visit their dentist complaining of another toothache in the treated tooth. In situations such as this, patients may be a good candidate for endodontic retreatment. Drs. Rolin Desir, Alison St. Paul and Candace DeVeaux of McDonough Endodontic Center of McDonough, GA are here to provide this treatment if the initial procedure failed to provide results.

Why might endodontic retreatment be needed?

There are many reasons why the natural tooth does not recover properly from the initial procedure and results in improper healing. It may be caused by:

  • Narrow or curved root canals that were not effectively cleaned and disinfected
  • The dental restoration, commonly the crown, was not placed on the tooth within the ideal period following the surgery
  • The dental restoration, commonly the crown, does not protect the inside of the tooth from saliva contamination

Additionally, patients may also experience new decay or root canal exposure that results in an infection, or the tooth becomes damaged and the area is reinfected as well. Therefore, it is critical for patients to attend all follow-up appointments after their endodontic procedures and visit their dentist regularly for evaluations.

Dentist explains how to do endodontic retreatment

During endodontic retreatment, the root canal procedure is performed again. The gutta percha used to seal the tooth is removed, the area is disinfected, and the tooth is sealed again and protected with a dental crown. In most cases, patients will experience success following their retreatment procedure.

Are you in need of endodontic retreatment?

In situations where endodontic retreatment is needed, our providers are here to help. Drs. Rolin Desir, Alison St. Paul and Candace DeVeaux of McDonough, GA are the endodontic professionals that can assist in saving a natural tooth from extraction in any way they can! Call the office at (770) 954-8672 and visit our team at our facility, conveniently located at 1705 Highway 20 W, Suite 200. 

FAQs

Some reasons for the failure of your initial procedure could be: Narrow or curved canals not being treated, complicated canal anatomy, delays in placing the crown or other restoration during the first time, and salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth. 

New infection in the tooth can expose the root canal filling material to new decay. A fractured tooth or a loose, cracked, or broken crown or filling can also expose the tooth to new infection.

Saving your natural teeth is always the best option, rather than going for extraction and replacement. With proper care, retreated teeth can function well for years, even for a lifetime. New technologies that weren’t available during your initial treatment may also help you.

It is almost a painless procedure. The recovery process is also more comfortable compared to tooth extraction. 

Endodontic surgery is an option when non-surgical retreatment can’t be considered. The procedure involves making an incision to access the root tip. Endodontic surgery may be recommended alongside retreatment or as an alternative. Another option is extraction, a last resort.