Root Canal Retreatment

If you’ve had a root canal treatment but are still experiencing discomfort, you’re not alone. Sometimes, despite the best care, a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy can encounter issues down the road. That’s where root canal retreatment comes in. At Waterford & Clarkston Dentistry, we’re here to ensure your dental health is restored and maintained.

What is Root Canal Retreatment?

Root canal retreatment is a procedure performed when a previously treated tooth doesn’t heal as expected or develops new problems. Root canal treatments are generally very successful, but occasionally, complications can arise months or even years later. Reasons for this can include:

• Narrow or curved canals that were not treated during the initial procedure.
• Complicated canal anatomy that went undetected in the first treatment.
• Delay in crown placement after the root canal.
• New decay that allows bacteria to infect the treated tooth.
• Loose, cracked, or broken fillings/crowns exposing the tooth to a new infection.

During retreatment, we reopen the tooth, remove the previous filling materials, and thoroughly clean and disinfect the canals before resealing them. This process addresses the root cause of the problem and helps restore the tooth to its healthy state.

Why Choose Root Canal Retreatment?

You might be wondering why not just extract the problematic tooth and replace it with an implant or a bridge. While extraction is an option, preserving your natural tooth is usually the best choice. Here’s why:

1. Preserve Your Natural Tooth: Your natural teeth are irreplaceable. Retreatment allows you to keep your original tooth, maintaining your natural bite and chewing efficiency.
2. Cost-Effective: In the long run, keeping your natural tooth can be more cost-effective compared to the cost of extractions and replacements.
3. Aesthetics: Your natural tooth retains its original look, providing a seamless appearance compared to artificial replacements.
4. Reduced Recovery Time: Retreatment typically involves a shorter recovery period than more invasive procedures like extractions and implants.

The Retreatment Process

At Waterford & Clarkston Dentistry, we ensure your retreatment process is as smooth and comfortable as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Consultation and Evaluation: We’ll start with a thorough examination, including X-rays, to assess the condition of your tooth and determine the underlying issue.
2. Local Anesthesia: To ensure your comfort, we’ll administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area.
3. Accessing the Tooth: We’ll carefully reopen the tooth and remove the previous filling materials to access the root canals.
4. Cleaning and Disinfection: The canals will be meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to eliminate any remaining infection.
5. Filling and Sealing: Once the canals are clean, they’ll be filled and sealed with biocompatible materials. A temporary filling will be placed to close the opening.
6. Restoration: You’ll need to visit your general dentist to have a new crown or restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

Get More Information

For more detailed information about root canal retreatment, you can visit the American Association of Endodontists website. It’s a great resource to help you understand the process and benefits.

Trust Waterford & Clarkston Dentistry for Your Dental Care

Your dental health is our top priority. If you’re experiencing discomfort after a root canal or have any concerns about your dental treatments, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced team at Waterford & Clarkston Dentistry is dedicated to providing the highest quality care and ensuring you’re comfortable throughout the entire process.

Give us a call at 248-673-0505 to schedule your consultation today. Let us help you achieve a healthy, pain-free smile once again!