Solving Root Canal Problems At HH Hancock III Root Canal Endodontist

When Old Root Canals Go Bad

For various reasons, a root canal treatment may not be successful. In this case, additional treatment becomes necessary. In an evaluation, Dr. Hancock will identify specific causes of a dental problem and determine whether or not these issues can be corrected through a root canal retreatment. 

What Can Make Root Canal Treatment Fail?

One of the main reasons a root canal’s initial procedure fails is when the tooth’s additional canals or unusual canals are not identified, cleaned, and successfully treated. 

Treatment can also become compromised through leakage of salivary bacteria, which contaminates the treatment area and leads to infection in the tooth and exposed root canals. This infection can eventually move into the surrounding bone and gums. 

This leakage can result from an ill-fitting placement of the crown or filling or through new decay in the tooth. If the root canals are sealed poorly, contamination will occur rapidly. A well-sealed root canal will effectively slow or prevent contamination and infection. Read more here.

Retreatment Goals At HH Hancock III Root Canal Endodontist

Retreatment of a root canal aims to achieve the same results as the initial root canal procedure. Dr. Hancock will mechanically remove debris, tissue, and infection undetected in the first procedure. He then chemically disinfects those spaces and seals them off with a root canal filling material to prevent recontamination.

Before Dr. Hancock can do this, he must disassemble the existing restoration and previous root canal treatment. This procedure involves removing or opening access through the existing crown. 

After complete disassembly, Dr. Hancock removes the previous filling material and cleans and disinfects all the canal spaces. Sometimes he fills the canals with a temporary filling before completing treatment in a separate visit.

To complete the retreatment, Dr. Hancock seals the canals with a root filling. You will need to go back to your restorative dentist after a few weeks of healing for a permanent restoration. 

Is Retreatment of a Root Canal Painful?

After root canal retreatment, patients may experience pain, discomfort, and tenderness for a few days, just as in the initial root canal. Patients are advised to avoid chewing on the affected side not to jeopardize the tooth.

How Long Does a Retreatment Root Canal Take?

More endodontic surgery might not be a pleasant thought, but root canal retreatment is relatively simple. The whole retreatment can be completed in as little as 1-3 visits.

What Happens if Root Canal Retreatment Fails?

If the retreatment also fails, you may need a procedure called an apicoectomy. An apicoectomy is performed when a root canal fails to remove all the dead nerves and infected tissues. The infection can continue down to where a tooth’s roots come to a point or an apex.  

The infection is cleaned by removing the apex and the surrounding damaged tissue, in which the problem is averted. Once the process is complete, the end of the tooth canal is cleaned and sealed. 

Because an apicoectomy is a complex procedure, it is recommended as a last resort after attempting one or more root canal treatments. This procedure allows patients to preserve their natural tooth, which otherwise may have required extraction as the last possible treatment option. 

How do I Know if I Need a Root Canal Retreatment?

Are you experiencing pain on a tooth that has previously had a root canal? Do you have a point in the mouth where the gums are swollen (abscess)? Both of these are tell-tale signs a retreat is needed.

It is important to note that many abscesses start minor and can go unnoticed because there is no. For this reason, it is imperative to keep your regular 6-month dental visits to monitor root canal-treated teeth with X-rays for your general health.  Click here to learn more.

What Happens if I Don’t Get a Root Canal Retreatment?

The only option apart from root canal retreatment is the extraction of the tooth. If you choose not to undergo treatment or get the tooth removed, the consequences can be severe. If left untreated, the bacterial infection can spread to the jaw, blood, brain, and rest of the body.

What are my Next Steps?

Suppose you are experiencing pain from an infected tooth. In that case, endodontic therapy can alleviate your discomfort and restore your tooth to normal function and excellent health. For your convenience, HH Hancock III Root Canal Endodontist specializes in root canal therapy, retreatment and apicoectomy treatment. Your comfort is our top priority. We care and ensure you are perfectly comfortable and calm for your treatment. Contact us, we look forward to helping you.