Why do I need another endodontic procedure?

As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons.

• Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedurere
• Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure
• The placement of the final restoration or crown was delayed following endodontic treatment
• The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth

In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example:

New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth
A loose cracked or broken down filling can expose the tooth to bacterial contamination
The tooth sustains a fracture

First, the endodontist will discuss your treatment options. If you and your endodontist choose retreatment, the endodontist will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. In many cases, complex restorative materials—crown, post and core material—must be disassembled and removed to permit access to the root canals.

After removing the canal filling, the endodontist can clean the canals and carefully examine the inside of your tooth using magnification and illumination, searching for any additional canals or unusual anatomy that requires treatment.

After cleaning the canals, the endodontist will fill and seal the canals and place a temporary filling in the tooth. If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, your endodontist may recommend endodontic surgery. This surgery involves making an incision to allow the other end of the root to be sealed.

After your endodontist completes retreatment, you will be advised to return for a follow up usually six months after the final visit. This is to ensure that healing has occurred. You will then be advised to return to your dentist to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to its full function.