Endodontic Retreatment

When a root canal doesn’t heal as expected or complications arise months or years after treatment, endodontic retreatment offers a second chance to save your tooth. This procedure addresses persistent infection, inadequate sealing, or new decay that compromises the initial root canal work. At Rockland Dental Specialists, our endodontists use advanced techniques and technology to perform retreatment procedures that preserve your natural tooth structure while restoring your oral health.

Our team of endodontists includes Dr. Lisa Nava Cohen and Dr. George Ilenikhena, who perform endodontic retreatment with precision and care. Led by Dr. Shalom Mintz and Dr. David Peto, our practice has provided comprehensive periodontal, implant, and endodontic services to patients throughout Rockland County and the broader New York region for over 24 years.

Why Does Endodontic Retreatment Become Necessary?

Most root canals heal successfully, but certain factors can prevent proper healing or cause new problems to develop. A tooth may fail to heal if narrow or curved canals were missed during the initial treatment, making complete cleaning difficult. Sometimes complex canal anatomy goes undetected despite the dentist’s best efforts.

New problems can emerge after successful treatment. An abscessed tooth can occur when new decay develops and allows bacteria to enter the canal system, or a crack or fracture in the tooth creates a pathway for infection. Delayed placement of a crown or inadequate restoration can expose the tooth to contamination. Even a well-treated tooth can become reinfected if the restoration breaks down over time.

What Are the Signs You Might Need Endodontic Retreatment?

Your body provides clear signals when a previously treated tooth needs attention. Persistent pain or sensitivity when biting, chewing, or applying pressure suggests complications with the root canal. Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, lasting beyond brief contact, indicates the nerve space may be compromised.

Visual changes also signal problems. Swelling or tenderness in the gum tissue near the treated tooth points to active infection. A pimple-like bump on the gums, called a fistula, allows pus to drain from an infected area. Some patients notice discoloration of the tooth or changes in how it feels compared to adjacent teeth.

Many infections remain symptom-free for extended periods. Regular dental examinations with X-rays can identify issues before they cause discomfort, giving you more treatment options.

How Does the Retreatment Procedure Work?

Endodontic retreatment follows a similar process to initial root canal treatment but requires additional steps to access the canal system. Dr. Cohen begins by administering local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. She then reopens the tooth to access the root canal filling material from the previous treatment.

After removing the old filling material, Dr. Cohen carefully examines the canals using magnification and specialized lighting. This inspection helps identify any missed canals, unusual anatomy, or narrow canal branches that may have contributed to the initial treatment’s failure. She thoroughly cleans and shapes the canals, removing any remaining infected or damaged tissue.

Once the canals are cleaned, disinfected, and shaped properly, Dr. Cohen fills them with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha. A temporary filling seals the opening until your general dentist can place a permanent restoration. The tooth requires a crown or other restoration to protect it from future damage and restore full function.

What Should You Expect During Recovery?

Most patients experience mild discomfort for a few days following retreatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically manage any tenderness effectively. Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may feel sensitive, particularly when chewing, but this sensitivity gradually decreases as healing progresses.

Following post-treatment instructions helps ensure successful healing:

• Take all prescribed medications as directed
• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your dentist places the permanent restoration
• Maintain excellent oral hygiene around the treated area
• Attend all follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress
• Contact our office immediately if you experience severe pain or swelling

Your endodontist will schedule a follow-up examination to confirm the tooth is healing properly. X-rays taken several months after treatment show whether the infection has resolved and bone is regenerating around the tooth roots.

What Are the Alternatives to Retreatment?

While endodontic retreatment has a high success rate, you should understand all available options. Extraction followed by dental implant placement represents one alternative. Implants function like natural teeth and don’t require modification of adjacent teeth, but they involve a longer treatment timeline and surgical procedures.

Bridge placement offers another replacement option after extraction. This restoration uses adjacent teeth as anchors to support a prosthetic tooth in the gap. Bridges restore function and appearance but require alteration of healthy neighboring teeth.

Many patients choose retreatment to preserve their natural tooth when possible. Natural teeth maintain bone density in the jaw, provide better biting force than prosthetic alternatives, and continue to perform their original function without modification of surrounding teeth.

Schedule Your Consultation at Rockland Dental Specialists

If you’re experiencing discomfort in a previously treated tooth or have questions about endodontic retreatment, our team can evaluate your situation and recommend appropriate treatment options. Dr. Cohen, Dr. Mintz, Dr. George Ilenikhena, and Dr. Peto work together to provide comprehensive care in our comfortable, high-end office environment.

We offer complimentary insurance verifications and create custom payment plans tailored to your needs. Our 24/7 availability ensures you can reach us whenever concerns arise. Contact us online today to schedule your appointment and learn more about preserving your natural smile.