When you learned you needed a root canal, you probably weren’t excited about it. All the things you heard made it seem like it would be a hassle, but thankfully, it went without a hitch! Your toothache even went away, giving you relief. But what if that once-troubled tooth starts to act up again? You might be left wondering what happened, but your endodontist is here to help. Keep reading to learn about how you may benefit from a root canal retreatment.
What Is Root Canal Retreatment?
The good news is that this procedure is very similar to a regular root canal. Your dentist numbs the area around your tooth, so you stay comfortable the entire time. They remove the crown that’s covering it (if there is one) and check the inside for any problems. Then, it’s cleaned and disinfected before a new filling is placed. At the end, your dentist will cement a crown on top, or have you come back for this part.
Do I Need Root Canal Retreatment?
Hearing that you need another treatment on your tooth can be frustrating. It’s normal to feel that way, but there are a few reasons why this may be the case, such as:
- The infection you initially had wasn’t fully removed.
- A new infection or decay has occurred in your tooth.
- Damage to the denture structure or crown exposed the inside to bacteria.
A root canal can fail for different reasons, such as the original dentist not performing the procedure correctly, the patient not following a proper oral hygiene routine, or the prolonged placement of a dental crown. Regardless of the scenario, it isn’t about pointing fingers but understanding what happened to protect your smile moving forward.
How Can I Tell I Might Need Root Canal Retreatment?
After your tooth receives a root canal, and it starts to hurt or become sensitive months or even years later, then it’s important to call your endodontist. The earlier you schedule an appointment, the better chance you have of receiving a successful treatment. You can avoid needing an extraction, keeping your smile intact.
While you may not be bouncing off the walls hearing that a tooth needs another root canal, it’s best for your oral health than removing and finding a replacement option. Your endodontist is here to help you and stop the discomfort once and for all.
About the Practice
At MeTa Endodontics, we want you to feel comfortable during any treatment. Led by Dr. Tam Trinh and Dr. Nisha Mehta, two experienced endodontists, you can trust that you get the care you need to get back to a pain-free smile.
We understand how needing another root canal can be frustrating, so we use state-of-the-art technology to ensure that the infection is fully removed, letting your tooth be free of its troubles. If you are experiencing any dental discomfort and think you need a retreatment, schedule an appointment or call us at (847) 920-6382.