Endodontic Retreatment

 

If a tooth has had a root canal previously, but is still infected because of incomplete cleaning or contamination by decay, you and Dr. Glenn may choose to perform a root canal retreatment.  He will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. In many cases, complex restorative materials—crown, post and core material—may need to be removed to permit access to the root canals.
 

 

After removing the canal filling, Dr. Glenn can clean the canals and carefully examine the inside of your tooth using magnification and illumination, searching for any additional canals or unusual anatomy that requires treatment.

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After cleaning the canals, Dr. Glenn will fill and seal the canals and place either a permanent or a temporary filling in the tooth. If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, your endodontist may recommend root end surgery.

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If your crown is still intact and sealed with a permanent filling, no further treatment is needed.  If a new crown is required due to decay or chipped porcelain, after Dr. Glenn completes retreatment, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to its full function. 

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Images reproduced with permission from the American Association of Endodontists.