Root Canal Retreatment

Root canal retreatment is a dental procedure performed when a previously treated tooth exhibits signs of persistent infection or other issues. While most root canal treatments are successful, there are cases where the treated tooth may not heal as expected or may develop new problems over time. Retreatment is often considered as an option to save the tooth before resorting to extraction.

The process of root canal retreatment is similar to a normal root canal treatment in which is starts with evaluation of the tooth. The dentist will first assess the tooth by examining X-rays and determining the cause of the issue. Common reasons for retreatment include the presence of a persistent infection, new dental caries or issues with the previous root canal filling. The dentist will then perform an access cavity to open up the tooth and remove the pre-existing filling materials from the root canals. The root canals are then carefully cleaned and disinfected.

Besides that, the dentist will examine the root canals and the surrounding area to identify the presence of any additional canals or issues that may have been missed during the initial treatment. The canals are reshaped as needed. Once the canals are thoroughly cleaned and shaped, they are filled with new gutta-percha or another biocompatible material to seal the space and prevent further infection.

Root canal retreatment has a high success rate, and it is often an effective way to save a tooth that has had a previous root canal procedure. It's crucial for patients to follow their dentist's post-treatment instructions and attend any recommended follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.

Figure 2 shows the illustration of steps performed in root canal retreatment



Source : https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/endodontic-treatmentoptions/endodontic-retreatment/endodontic-retreatment-explained/

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