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Root canal therapy can successfully preserve a natural tooth that’s been severely damaged or has decayed. In most cases, it works incredibly well, often lasting a lifetime with proper care. But occasionally, things don’t go quite right, and symptoms can return. When that happens, root canal retreatment can help restore your oral health.
At Central Avenue Dental, our team customizes every endodontic procedure to each patient’s specific needs. We emphasize advanced techniques and have a deep understanding of tooth anatomy.
Read on to learn more about why your root canal has failed and what steps to take to save your smile.
Root canal therapy involves removing infected or damaged tissue from inside the tooth, disinfecting the canal space, and filling it to prevent future infection. We typically place a crown afterward to strengthen the tooth and restore its appearance.
While success rates are high, there are a few reasons a root canal may not hold up over time. Your teeth may have hidden or complex root structures. Some teeth have unusually narrow or curved canals that may be missed during the initial procedure.
Waiting too long to place a protective crown can allow bacteria to reenter the tooth. A chipped or cracked crown can expose the treated tooth to reinfection.
Sometimes, a root canal fails because infection lingers at the root tip and eventually causes new symptoms.
When these or other issues occur, retreatment gives us the opportunity to clean, repair, and restore the tooth properly.
The retreatment process begins with a thorough evaluation, including detailed X-rays to assess the condition of your affected tooth and pinpoint the source of the problem.
Depending on the diagnosis, we may recommend one of two treatment options:
This involves reopening the tooth, removing the old filling material, carefully cleaning and reshaping the canals, then refilling and sealing them. We place a new crown to protect the tooth.
If the infection is localized at the tip of the root (the apex), our endodontic team may suggest an apicoectomy. This minor surgical procedure consists of removing the infected root tip and sealing the end to prevent further problems.
After retreatment, take care of your newly restored tooth. Stick to daily brushing and flossing, and keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings. Preventive care helps catch potential issues early before they can compromise your oral health.
With expert retreatment and good oral hygiene, your tooth can continue to function beautifully for years to come.
To learn more about retreatment for a failed root canal, contact us at Central Avenue Dental today. Call or use our online tool to book your visit. We have offices in Valley Stream, New York, and the Tribeca and Midtown East neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City.
