When a treated tooth doesn’t heal or gets reinfected, root canal retreatment may still save it!
Root canal therapy is a time-tested way to treat many serious conditions that affect the health and integrity of the teeth, from severe decay to fractures. It has a high success rate exceeding 97%; however, no treatment is successful 100% of the time. If infection persists after treatment, Drs. Chitra Tiruveedula and Joseph C. Yang of Advanced Dental in Aliso Viejo, California, may still be able to preserve your tooth with the root canal retreatment procedure!
What is a “root canal”?
“Root canal” is shorthand for a common procedure that preserves badly damaged teeth. So you can avoid the extraction or loss of the damaged tooth. The process involves removing any inflamed or infected tissue from the inside of the root canals at the center of the teeth. These canals are then cleaned, sterilized, and reshaped. Then, they are sealed off with a filling material to protect the treatment sites. The finishing touch is typically a dental crown, which is applied to restore the strength of the tooth.
Why would I need to have my tooth retreated?
There are several potential reasons. While many patients enjoy their treated teeth for years with no problems, sometimes a tooth may fail to heal properly afterward. Additionally, failure to follow any instructions for after-care can interfere with healing and promote reinfection. It is also important to maintain any follow-up visits; notably, you must restore your tooth as advised by our dentists. Otherwise, the tooth may remain weak and vulnerable to further damage. These complications are associated with early-stage root canal failures. Later-stage root canal failures may be related to things like inconsistent oral care, unhealthy habits (like smoking), and new fractures or trauma.
Would You Need A Root Canal Retreatment?
Root canal treatments are successful 97 percent of the time, but due to some reason, if you happen to be among the rare three percent, you may need a root canal retreatment procedure. This would involve checking for other, overlooked canals and performing the procedure after re-accessing the tooth’s inner chamber.
Talk to the Advanced Dental team in Aliso Viejo, CA, to see if this would work for you.
Address Persistent Infection
Check Overlooked Canals
Save Your Natural Tooth
Expert Retreatment Care
What are some signs that my tooth may need further treatment?
Many of the signs may seem familiar to you. After all, you may have experienced them before your tooth was treated. Now, they rear their ugly heads again. While some initial soreness may be expected immediately after treatment and as the anesthetic wears off, it is essential to contact us right away if any of the following symptoms persist or are severe in nature:
- Pain or discomfort that doesn’t get any better after treatment
- Swelling around the treatment site
- “Pimples” or puffy areas on the gums (that could be indicative of dental abscesses)
- Sensitivity that lingers even after the “source” (sweet or cold foods or drinks) is removed
- Intense pain when biting down
- Difficulty eating or chewing foods
Root Canal Retreatment FAQs
How long is a root canal retreatment?
Your treatment is similar to the initial one, but involves an additional procedure to remove the restoration and filling material. The procedure also involves locating hidden canals to remove any remaining infection. Treatment lasts 60-90 minutes, depending on the complexity. While we do our best to be as time-efficient as possible, you never feel rushed or hurried.
How much will the procedure cost?
The cost varies depending on the complexity and the need for additional restorative care. The tooth’s location matters, too. Molars generally cost more to retreat because they have more canals and are harder to access. During your consultation, our team will provide a detailed estimate and discuss available payment options to make your treatment more affordable.
Can a retreated tooth fail?
Although root canal retreatment has a high success rate, no dental procedure can guarantee permanent results. In some cases, infection may recur due to hidden canals, delayed healing, fractures, or new decay.
However, retreatment often gives the tooth a second chance to heal and function comfortably for many years. Following your dentist’s recommendations and maintaining good oral hygiene can improve long-term success.
What options exist instead of having a root canal?
For some patients, endodontic surgery (root-end resection) may be necessary. This treatment involves removing the root tip (apex) and sealing it to prevent future infections. Endodontic surgery is recommended in conjunction with retreatment or as an alternative. Our dentist will help determine the best course of action.
If retreatment or root-end resection is not an option for some reason, the primary alternative is tooth extraction. After extraction, we recommend replacing your tooth with a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to restore function and appearance.
Is root canal retreatment really worth it?
Many patients wonder whether a do-over with retreatment is worth it. However, the benefits of saving your natural tooth often make retreatment a valuable investment in your long-term oral health. Even with advanced tooth replacements, there is nothing quite like your natural tooth. Preserving your natural tooth helps you preserve your jawbone health, oral function, and confidence.
Does insurance cover root canal retreatment?
Many insurance providers cover at least a portion of root canal retreatment, especially when the procedure is considered medically necessary. However, coverage varies depending on your specific plan and provider.
To verify the benefits of your insurance plan, you can:
- Ask your provider
- Check your benefits from the online portal
- Ask our dental office to check the benefits
Many patients prefer the third option because it’s faster and hassle-free.
Is there anything I can do to avoid a retreatment?
Yes! Here are steps you can take to avoid root canal failure.
- Don’t delay getting a dental crown after the initial treatment
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing and flossing diligently
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to crack nuts or open packages
- Maintain regular dental check-ups and cleanings
- Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
Where can I get root canal retreatment in Aliso Viejo, CA?
While root canals have a proven success record, you may need retreatment if an infection or complication arises. At Advanced Dental, we have the experience and expertise to deliver the best possible outcomes for endodontic retreatment. If you notice an issue with a previously treated tooth, call (949) 289-9993 to schedule an appointment with our dental team today.
How do you retreat the tooth?
Retreatment is similar to what you experienced during your initial treatment. First, we will ensure that the tooth is fully numbed and that you are completely relaxed before accessing the root canals. Any materials that were placed to fill and seal off the tooth are removed. Then, we skillfully address the source of your reinfection or persistent infection.
These techniques and next steps are specific to your situation, but they may include checking for other canals or narrow canals that may have been overlooked and treating those. Any lingering or new infection or damaged tissue is removed, and the canals are once again sterilized and reshaped. A fresh filling material is applied to reseal the tooth, and that's it! Be sure to maintain follow-up visits at Advanced Dental. So, we can monitor how your retreated tooth is healing and then restore it with a crown.
We welcome your specific questions or concerns. Call our team in Aliso Viejo, CA, at (949) 289-9993 today.
Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula
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Dr. Chitra Tiruveedula has been practicing dentistry for over 20 years. After advanced training at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, she relocated to Orange County, CA in 2015. Dr. Chitra is a member of the American Dental Association and California Dental Association. Committed to continuous education, she provides top-quality dental services using the latest advancements.
Dr. Joseph C. Yang
Dr. Joseph C. Yang has over 30 years of dental practice experience. He earned his B.S. from Washington University in St. Louis, MO, and his D.D.S. from the University of Illinois, Chicago. He then had a distinguished 30-year career as a U.S. Naval Dental Officer, including a residency in Periodontology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Dr. Yang is a diplomate of the American Board of Periodontology and a member of the American Dental Association and American Academy of Periodontology. As a board-certified Periodontist, he has performed thousands of successful periodontal and implant procedures. He is also a renowned lecturer and trainer in the latest implant and periodontal techniques worldwide.