Treatment
Root canal retreatment for Lutterworth
A tooth that has had root canal treatment can become infected again, sometimes years later. More often than not, the tooth can be treated again and retained. Retreatment removes the original root filling, cleans the canal system thoroughly — including any canals missed first time round — and seals the tooth anew.
Why root canal treatments fail
The usual culprits are a canal that was not found or not cleaned to its full length, a root filling that stops short, a leaking crown or filling that lets bacteria back in, or a long delay before the tooth was restored. Less often, a crack in the root is the cause — and that cannot be repaired.
Establishing the cause comes first, because it determines whether retreatment, microsurgery or extraction offers the tooth the best prospects.
What retreatment involves
- Assessment. The tooth is examined and tested, new X-rays are taken and the existing root filling and restoration are evaluated. A written plan follows, setting out the likely outcome and the fee.
- Access. With the tooth numbed, access is gained through the existing crown or filling. A post, if present, is removed carefully.
- Removing the old material. The previous root filling is softened and taken out of each canal.
- Finding what was missed. Untreated canals are located, blockages negotiated where possible, and the whole system is re-cleaned and disinfected.
- Dressing and sealing. A medicated dressing is usually left in place for a week or two before the canals are sealed at a second visit.
- Restoration. Your dentist then fits a new crown or a tightly sealed filling to protect the work.
What to expect
Visits are typically around 90 minutes, usually two in total. Mild tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal. Healing of the bone around the root is checked on an X-ray some months later.
Retreatment, surgery or extraction?
Retreatment is the first choice whenever the problem can be reached through the tooth. Microsurgery is considered where a good root filling and post are already in place, or where the canal cannot be reached near the tip. Extraction is advised only when the tooth cannot be restored — a split root, or too little sound tooth to crown — and we will say so clearly if that is the case. Our guide root canal retreatment: questions answered covers the decisions in more depth.
Originally treated elsewhere?
That is very common. No referral is needed — get in touch, bring any recent X-rays, and we will give you an honest view of whether the tooth can be saved.