Root canals are a highly effective treatment for saving natural teeth from infection and decay. In most cases, a properly performed root canal lasts a lifetime with no complications. However, there are times when a tooth that has already undergone a root canal may require retreatment. If your dentist recommends redoing a root canal, it’s usually because the original treatment didn’t completely resolve the infection or new problems have developed since.
Let’s explore why root canal retreatment might be necessary and what you can expect if you find yourself in this situation.
Persistent or Recurrent Infection
The primary reason for root canal retreatment is infection that wasn’t fully eliminated the first time. Root canals involve cleaning out bacteria from deep inside the tooth’s canals, but some teeth have complex or curved roots that are difficult to fully disinfect. If bacteria remain, they can continue to cause pain, swelling, or reinfection even after the initial procedure.
New Decay After Treatment
A tooth that has had a root canal isn’t immune to future decay. If the crown or filling covering your treated tooth becomes damaged or develops a cavity, bacteria can sneak back inside the tooth. This can reintroduce infection into the canals, undoing the benefits of the original treatment and requiring the procedure to be redone.
Leaky or Damaged Restoration
After a root canal, the tooth is usually restored with a crown or filling to seal it off from bacteria. Over time, these restorations can crack, loosen, or wear down. Even tiny gaps can allow bacteria to enter the tooth again, leading to reinfection. If this happens, retreatment is often necessary to clean out the tooth and restore it properly.
Missed Canals During the First Procedure
Teeth often have more canals than they appear to on X-rays. Some molars, for example, may have extra hidden canals. If these weren’t treated during the first root canal, bacteria inside them may continue to thrive. Retreatment gives your dentist or endodontist the chance to clean and seal any missed canals.
Delayed or Improper Healing
In rare cases, a tooth may simply not heal properly after the first root canal. This could be due to unusual anatomy, an undetected crack in the tooth, or other complicating factors. If the tooth continues to cause discomfort or shows signs of infection, retreatment may be the best solution.
What to Expect with Retreatment
A root canal retreatment is similar to the first procedure, but with a few additional steps. Your dentist will carefully remove the crown or filling, reopen the tooth, and clean the canals again. Any lingering infection is treated, and the canals are sealed once more. A new crown or restoration is then placed to protect the tooth.
Needing a root canal redone can feel frustrating, but it’s not uncommon. Retreatment provides a second chance to save your natural tooth, relieve pain, and prevent infection from spreading. With advances in dental technology and the skill of endodontists, retreatments are often highly successful.
About the Author
Dr. Wendy Winarick is a 2001 graduate of the University of Texas School of Dentistry – Houston. She purchased her practice right out of school and has been based in Waco ever since. Dr. Winarick has taken many continuing education courses each year and also stays current through her memberships in the American Dental Association, the Central Texas Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Do you have a damaged tooth that needs saving? We can help with root canal therapy. Schedule an appointment online or call (254) 772-1827.