What Is Endodontic Retreatment?
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure designed to relieve tooth pain and treat infections of the soft tissues deep within your teeth. The relatively comfortable treatment saves the affected tooth, providing a lasting solution. In the rare event that a treated tooth does not heal properly or if the infection recurs, Dr. Shakiba may recommend a procedure known as endodontic retreatment.
Why Not Just Extract the Damaged Tooth?
Losing a tooth is a serious matter. The surrounding teeth may shift out of alignment, leaving you with a host of dental problems, including crooked teeth and problems with your bite. Your dentist will likely recommend replacing your tooth with an implant or bridge to maintain your oral health. These options may require extensive dental procedures on the adjacent teeth, which are more costly and time-consuming than retreating and restoring your natural tooth. At Prime Endodontics, saving an infected or damaged tooth is always our top priority!
Why Would a Tooth Require Endodontic Retreatment?
Root canal therapy has an extremely high rate of success. However, there are reasons you may require retreatment. At times, a tooth may have very narrow or curved root canals that may go undetected or fail to respond to treatment, or they may become recontaminated due to improperly placed or delayed placement of dental crowns or restorations. In some cases, new decay, advancing gum disease, a fractured tooth, or a damaged restoration can reintroduce infection to the tooth, necessitating endodontic retreatment.
Advances in technology continue to improve the way we perform root canal therapy. Dr. Shakiba may use newer techniques than those that were available when you had your initial treatment. Endodontic retreatment is usually successful in restoring the affected tooth’s health, form, and function.
What Is the Endodontic Retreatment Procedure?
The procedure is similar to root canal therapy, with just a few extra steps. Dr. Shakiba will numb the area for your comfort and reopen your tooth to access the root canal filling material. She will clean and reshape the pulp chamber with tiny instruments. A microscope will help in the search for any additional canals or unusual anatomy requiring treatment.
Dr. Shakiba will thoroughly clean and disinfect your root canals, and then she will place a new filling material to seal them. She will also place a temporary dental filling in your tooth. You’ll need to return to your general dentist to have a new crown placed to protect your treated tooth and restore it to its full strength and function.
Quality Endodontic Services Near Me
Contact Prime Endodontics in Houston, TX, if a root canal-treated tooth is painful or if you suspect that it requires retreatment. Dr. Shakiba will evaluate your unique condition and determine the best procedure to restore your healthy smile. Call us and schedule your appointment today!