Sometimes, a tooth may not heal properly after a root canal procedure. The tooth may be painful or discolored, or there may be an infection in the area where the root canal was performed.
What Is Root Canal Retreatment?
Root canal retreatment involves:
- Removing the crown and filling material from the cavity
- Cleaning out the tooth and removing the infection
- Refilling the tooth with new material
This procedure is very similar to the original root canal process. However, it can be more complex because the endodontist must remove the crown to access the infected area.
Talk with our Prime Endodontics endodontist to determine if you are a candidate for a root canal retreatment. Treating this infection as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage to the affected tooth and surrounding teeth. Otherwise, the infection can spread to other mouth areas and cause further complications.
Why Would I Need a Root Canal Retreatment?
A root canal retreatment is a procedure that is performed after an initial root canal when the tooth is infected again. There are many reasons why a tooth may become reinfected and require a second treatment. Some common causes include the following:
- The tooth was not properly sealed or filled during the first visit.
- The infection was more profound than the endodontist anticipated.
- The crown was placed incorrectly, causing the gums to inflame around the treated tooth.
- An untreated cavity has formed on the tooth.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Retreatment
Often, patients who need a root canal retreatment require one because of a tooth fracture or fractures that have occurred after the original procedure. A tooth fracture can result from trauma to the mouth or teeth and can also be caused by decay that has weakened the tooth.
When a new crown is placed on top of a damaged tooth after a root canal, the biting forces placed on the tooth can cause additional fractures to develop on the tooth. Typically, patients only experience these more minor fracture symptoms once the endodontist sees signs of a crack or a chip in the crown itself. Still, in some cases, the patient can feel pain localized to one area of the mouth that dulls or throbs intermittently.
It is always a good idea to schedule an appointment with our endodontist in Kirkland, WA if you feel discomfort after a root canal or after the crown is placed in your mouth.