Root Canal Retreatment in Colorado Springs

root canal retreatment in colorado springs

When Old Root Canals Go Bad | Elevation Endodontics

For various reasons, root canal treatment may sometimes be unsuccessful, at which point an additional treatment is necessary. The primary purpose of an endodontist evaluation is to identify the specific causes of the problem and determine whether or not it can be corrected. A 3-dimensional image (CBCT scan) is beneficial when evaluating teeth that have already had endodontic treatment.

What Can Make Root Canal Treatment Fail?

One of the main reasons root canal treatment fails is when all of the tooth’s canals were not identified and treated or were not thoroughly cleaned.

Treatment can also become compromised through salivary contamination, leading to infection in the canals and, eventually, the surrounding bone and gums. The leakage can either result from an ill-fitting crown or filling or through new tooth decay. 

When root canals are poorly-sealed, contamination occurs rapidly. A well-sealed root canal effectively slows or prevents contamination and infection. 

Retreatment Goals At Elevation Endodontics

Retreatment aims to save your natural tooth, basically the same results as initial root canal treatment. Dr. McKissock removes debris, tissue, and infection from within the canals. He then chemically disinfects and finally seals off with a root canal filling so that recontamination will not occur.

Before Dr. McKissock can do this, he must disassemble the existing restoration treated during the initial procedure. It involves removing or gaining access through the existing crown or removing existing posts or cores. After disassembly is complete, he removes the initial treatment filling material to clean and disinfect the canal. 

To complete the retreatment, Dr. McKissock seals the canals with a root filling. You must return to your restorative dentist after a few weeks of healing for a well-fitting permanent restoration to assure the treatment’s success. To learn more click this link.

 

Is Retreatment of a Root Canal Painful?

After root canal retreatment, patients may experience tooth pain, discomfort, and tenderness for a few days, just as in the initial root canal. Patients should avoid chewing on the affected side to prevent jeopardizing the tooth. Read our blog post about root canal myths.

How Long Does a Retreatment Root Canal Take?

More endodontic surgery might not be a pleasant thought, but root canal retreatment is relatively simple. The retreatment can be completed in as little as 1-3 visits.

What Happens if Root Canal Retreatment Fails?

If the retreatment doesn’t heal as expected, you may need a procedure called an apicoectomy. An apicoectomy is performed when a root canal fails to remove all the dead nerves and infected tissues. The infection can continue down to the tip of the root or an apex.  

The infection is cleaned by removing the apex and the surrounding damaged tissue, where the problem is averted. Once the process is complete, the end of the tooth canal is cleaned and sealed. 

Because an apicoectomy is a complex procedure, it is recommended as a last resort after attempting one or more root canal treatments. This procedure allows patients to preserve their natural tooth, which otherwise may have required extraction as the last possible treatment option. Read more about it here.

How do I Know if I Need a Root Canal Retreatment?

Are you experiencing pain in a tooth that has previously had a root canal? Do you have a point in the mouth where the gums are swollen (abscess)? Both of these are tell-tale signs a retreat is needed.

It is important to note that many abscesses start minor and can go unnoticed because there is no. For this reason, it is imperative to keep your regular 6-month dental visits to monitor root canal-treated teeth with X-rays for your general health.

What Happens if I Don’t Get a Root Canal Retreatment?

The only option apart from root canal retreatment is tooth extraction. If you choose not to undergo treatment or get the tooth removed, bacterial infection can spread to the jaw, blood, brain, and rest of the body.

What are my Next Steps?

Suppose you are experiencing pain from an infected tooth. In that case, endodontic therapy can alleviate your discomfort and restore your tooth to normal function and excellent health. For your convenience, Elevation Endodontics in Colorado Springs specializes in root canal treatment, retreatment, and apicoectomy treatment. 

Your comfort is our top priority. We care and ensure you are perfectly comfortable and calm for your treatment. Contact us to schedule an appointment; we look forward to helping you.