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/