Endodontic Retreatment Root canals are used to treat infected teeth. The infection occurs when bacteria build up in the root of a tooth, which can cause intense pain and swelling around the area. If left untreated, it could lead to more severe abscesses or even osteomyelitis (bone infections). However, sometimes the root canal gets an infection itself. This is called a secondary infection, an old root canal infection, or recurrent apical periodontitis.While many patients experience successful healing and restoration of tooth function after root canal treatment for inflamed, diseased, or damaged pulp tissue, there are instances where the tooth may not heal as expected. Pain or recurring infections can occur, prompting the need for a second opportunity to treat and save the tooth through our root canal re-treatment at Duggan Endodontics in AUSTIN, TX. Why do I need another Root Canal?Why You Might Need Re-TreatmentSeveral things can cause an old root canal infection. One common reason is when bacteria get past the sealant used to close off the root canals after treatment. This can happen if the sealant isn't applied correctly or it wears down over time. Bacteria can also get into the tooth through enamel or gum disease cracks. As with any dental procedure, there are situations where a tooth may not heal properly after initial treatment. This could be attributed to factors such as curved or narrow canals that were inadequately addressed during the initial root canal, delayed crown placement, or other restorations that led to re-infection. Salivary contamination during crown placement or new dental issues like decay, exposing the root canal filling to bacteria, can also impact a successfully treated tooth. How Is an Old Root Canal Infection Treated?If you are experiencing old root canal infection symptoms, it's essential to see a dentist right away. Treatment will vary depending on the cause and severity of the infection. However, antibiotics will be prescribed to kill the bacteria in most cases. If there is damage to the tooth or surrounding bone, surgery may be necessary to repair it. The Endodontic Re-Treatment ProcedureUpon agreement between you and our endodontist for re-treatment, we will reopen the tooth to access the root canal filling. Employing a protective sheet or dental dam, we will isolate the tooth to maintain cleanliness and saliva-free conditions during the re-treatment procedure. In many cases, restorative materials, such as crowns, are disassembled and removed to facilitate access to the root canals. Thorough cleaning and examination of the tooth's interior, utilizing magnified images to detect additional canals or irregular anatomy, are crucial in addressing the reasons for the previous root canal failure. After disinfecting and sealing the canals, a temporary filling will be applied. For cases with unusually narrow or blocked canals, our endodontist may recommend apicoectomy, a surgical procedure to seal the tooth's end or tip. Subsequently, a new crown is placed to enhance protection and restore full tooth function. Continuous monitoring and follow-up appointments ensure the prevention of reinfection. We will provide aftercare instructions for your post-re-treatment care. Non-surgical Root Canal RetreatmentNon-surgical root canal treatment, or endodontic retreatment, is a procedure to treat a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment but has failed or become re-infected. This can happen when the original root canal treatment did not remove all the infected tissue or if a new infection occurs later. Duggan Endodontics endeavors to see that we employ the latest technology to restore the health of an infected tooth. If you require a repair for a root canal or wish to address an older one, visit Duggan Endodontics for evaluation. Re-treatment of an inflamed or diseased root canal should be entrusted to a qualified endodontist. Contact us at (512)-380-0777 to schedule an appointment. |
