While the success of nonsurgical root canal therapy is greater than 90%, it is possible for root canal therapy to fail to heal or for pain and discomfort to exist. Occasionally, the pain may occur months or years after the original treatment. If this is the case, then Endodontic Retreatment may be necessary.
Improper healing may be caused by:
- curved or narrow canals that were not treated during the initial treatment
- hidden canals that went undetected during the initial treatment
- the final restoration was not placed within the appropriate amount of time following the procedure
- the final restoration did not prevent saliva from recontaminating the root canal system
- new decay
- a cracked tooth or cracked filling can lead to a new infection
If endodontic retreatment has been selected as the most appropriate treatment option for your tooth, the doctors will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. This material will be removed and the doctors will clean and sterilize your tooth. They will pay special attention to any special anatomy in the tooth. A detailed microscopic evaluation will look for potential reasons for the failure.
Once treatment has been completed, you will follow up with your restorative dentist for a final restoration.