Specialized Care to Help You Keep Your Natural Tooth

What Is Endodontic Retreatment?

Endodontic retreatment, also known as root canal retreatment, is a procedure used to address a tooth that has already received root canal treatment but has not healed as expected, or has developed a new infection over time. Our Escondido office serves patients referred from San Marcos, Vista, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, and the surrounding North County San Diego area.

While most root canals are successful long term, certain situations can cause a treated tooth to become symptomatic again, sometimes months or even years after the original procedure.

At Escondido Endodontics, we use 3D CBCT imaging to carefully evaluate the tooth and identify the source of the problem before retreatment begins. This allows us to locate hidden canals, identify fractures, and assess the surrounding bone with a level of detail that standard X-rays cannot provide.

Why Would a Root Canal-Treated Tooth Need Retreatment?

Several factors can cause a previously treated tooth to require retreatment, including:

  • Narrow or curved canals that were not fully treated during the initial procedure
  • An undetected canal that was missed during the original root canal
  • A delayed or inadequate final restoration that allowed bacteria to re-enter the tooth
  • New decay or damage that compromised the seal of the original treatment
  • A complex canal anatomy that was not visible without 3D imaging

What Are The Steps of Endodontic Retreatment?

Evaluation and 3D Imaging

We begin with a comprehensive exam and CBCT imaging to evaluate the previously treated tooth in three dimensions. This helps us identify why the tooth has not healed and determine the best approach before reopening it.

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia is administered to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients report that the experience feels similar to having a filling placed.

Isolation

A small rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep the area clean and dry during treatment.

Accessing the Tooth

The existing crown or restoration is carefully opened to gain access to the root canal system. Any posts, crowns, or restorative materials blocking access to the canals are removed as needed.

Removing the Previous Filling Material

The original root canal filling material is removed from the canals, allowing us to thoroughly examine the canal system and identify any areas that require additional treatment.

Cleaning and Reshaping

The canals are cleaned, reshaped, and irrigated to eliminate bacteria and prepare the space for a new filling. Using a surgical microscope, we examine each canal carefully for signs of additional anatomy or complications.

Refilling and Sealing

Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned, they are refilled with gutta-percha and sealed to prevent reinfection.

Temporary Restoration

A temporary filling closes the access opening. Your general dentist will then place a new permanent restoration to protect the tooth.

Retreatment or an Extraction?

When a previously treated tooth develops new problems, retreatment is typically the first option considered before extraction. Preserving a natural tooth helps maintain surrounding bone structure, bite function, and the alignment of neighboring teeth. If retreatment is not a viable option, our team will discuss all available alternatives with you.

After Your Retreatment

Some mild soreness following retreatment is normal and can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relief. We will provide post-treatment instructions and remain available throughout your recovery to answer any questions.

Additional Endodontic Services

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal is one of the most common dental procedures performed, well over 14 million every year. This treatment can save your natural teeth and prevent the need for more invasive replacement procedures.

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Endodontic Retreatment

With the appropriate care, your teeth that have had endodontic treatment will last as long as other natural teeth. Yet, a tooth that has received treatment may fail to heal or pain may continue to exist. Sometimes, the pain may occur months or years after treatment. If so, Endodontic Retreatment may be needed.

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Endodontic Microsurgery

Generally, a root canal is all that is needed to save teeth with injured pulp from extraction. Occasionally, this non-surgical procedure will not be sufficient to heal the tooth and your endodontist will recommend surgery. Endodontic surgery can be used to locate fractures or hidden canals that do not appear on x-rays but still manifest pain in the tooth.

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Endodontic Resorption Repair

Tooth resorption occurs when the body begins to break down tooth structure from the inside or outside of the root. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can make a significant difference in preserving the tooth.

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Endodontic Emergencies

Sudden tooth pain, swelling, or trauma to a tooth should not be ignored. We accommodate urgent appointments so you can be evaluated and treated as quickly as possible.

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Cracked Teeth

Cracks in a tooth can extend into the root or pulp, causing pain that is difficult to pinpoint. An endodontic evaluation helps determine the extent of the crack and the best path forward for preserving the tooth.

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Have Questions? Contact Us!

We’re here to help. Reach out to our office, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.