Non-Surgical Root Canal Retreatment
Root Canal Retreatment in Owatonna, MN
While endodontic treatment, if done correctly, has a success rate of 85-90%, occasionally bacteria can re-contaminate the roots even after a root canal. To treat a tooth that did not heal properly or has again become infected after root canal treatment, a retreatment procedure may be necessary to ensure that the tooth is thoroughly cleared of any bacteria and can function.
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What’s Root Canal Retreatment?
Root canal retreatment involves the reaccessing the canals, removal of the previous root fillings material, the cleansing of the root canals, and then re-filling the root canals. The procedure is non-invasive and will relieve pain and dangers associated with the infection without requiring an extraction.
Root Canal Failure Symptoms
Here are common symptoms of root canal failure:
- Unresolved pain months or years after an initial root canal treatment
- Sensitivity
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Increased tooth mobility
- A blister or pimple-like bump inside the mouth
- Sinus problems
- Irregularities in your routine X-ray (no physical symptoms)
Why Would I Need a Root Canal Retreated?
Root canal retreatment is usually performed to save the tooth from extraction. Saving the natural tooth often yields healthier results, and many re-treated teeth can function well for years, perhaps even for the rest of the patient’s life.
A tooth with a root canal may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:
- Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure.
- Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.
- The crown placement or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment.
- The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth.
In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a successfully treated tooth. For example:
- New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth.
- A loose, cracked, or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to a new infection.
- A tooth sustains a fracture. If the bacterial cause of the infection can be accessed and cleaned, then the case will likely be successful.
Endodontic Retreatment Steps
A root canal retreatment procedure at Owatonna Endodontics follows these steps.
- Numbing: Our Root Canal Doctor, Dr. Beasley, will numb the area near the tooth to make you more relaxed and at ease during the procedure.
- Old filling material is removed: After thoroughly numbing the area for complete patient comfort, a small hole is made through the tooth’s crown to re-access into the root. The old root canal filling material is then removed, and the root is disinfected. If the root cannot be disinfected entirely in one visit, medication is placed and temporarily left in the root to enhance the disinfection over two or more weeks.
- Refill the root canal: Once the root is thoroughly disinfected, the new root filling (rubber-like material called gutta-percha) can be placed. The gutta-percha is placed with an adhesive cement to ensure complete sealing of the root canals. At that point, either a temporary or permanent filling is set to close the opening.
- Recall exam after six months: Dr. Beasley may want you to return for a free recall examination after about six months or a year to ensure the bone is healing appropriately.
Root Canal Retreatment Cost
The average cost for root canal retreatment varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure and the tooth’s location, but you can expect retreatment to cost more than the initial endodontic treatment. In most cases, dental insurance will cover all or a portion of the treatment cost, so be sure to check with your insurance provider.
Ready to Get Started?
An untreated root canal failure can lead to serious complications. That’s why seeking treatment as soon as symptoms occur is the best way to save your natural tooth and maintain optimum oral health. If you need a root canal retreatment from an endodontist you can trust, contact Owatonna Endodontics today to schedule a consultation!