Root canal treatment is a process where the nerve and pulp tissue within a tooth are removed. It is generally used to address severe infection or damage. When performed and cared for appropriately, a tooth treated using root canal therapy can last a lifetime. However, there may be some rare cases where the treatment may not yield the desired results, leading to persistent, unwanted symptoms. Root canal retreatment might be recommended if a patient exhibits failed root canal symptoms.
When these problems occur, root canal retreatment can come to the rescue and offer your tooth a new lease on life. At Endodontics Associates of Georgia, Dr. Damaries Candelario-Soto, Dr. Yanina Figueroa, Dr. Joseph Yoo, Dr. Shaletha Bolden, and Yasir Al-Drugh help with root canals and endodontic retreatments, catering to those in the area of Atlanta, Georgia, and beyond. Let’s look at some frequently asked questions about root canal retreatment.
Why might you require root canal retreatment?
The success of a root canal procedure heavily relies on eliminating bacteria and sealing the tooth to prevent future infections. Despite proper care, your root canal might fail a week, months, or years following the initial procedure.
Why might root canal treatment fail?
Here are some common reasons for such failure:
- Delay in fitting a crown after the first root canal
- Decay that exposes the tooth to reinfection
- Unattended narrow or curved canals
- Loose or broken crown or filling that exposes the tooth to harmful bacteria
Regardless of the reason for the failure, retreatment can save your tooth from potential loss and prevent infections.
What can I expect during the root canal retreatment process?
If you are experiencing pain or sensitivity near a previously treated tooth, you might need a retreatment. We use digital X-rays and scans to determine the infection’s severity and design an appropriate course of action to address failed root canal symptoms.
We start the retreatment by numbing your tooth using highly effective anesthetics to ensure a pain-free experience. Our endodontist removes the filling or crown and extracts the material to fill your tooth using precise dental tools. We use a cutting-edge surgical microscope to examine your tooth for any complex canal anatomy to avoid future issues.
Once this is done, all traces of harmful bacteria are removed from your tooth. After this rigorous disinfection process, we refill and reseal your tooth to guard against future infections. We counsel you on whether your old crown can be retained or a new one needs to be installed. In either case, you must place a dental crown immediately to minimize the risk of the procedure failing.
Are there any alternatives to the root canal retreatment?
There could be instances where non-surgical root canal treatment might not salvage your tooth. In such cases, rather than recommending extraction, our endodontic team may suggest endodontic surgery or apicoectomy. This procedure is usually best for patients whose teeth show no improvement following non-surgical treatments. The surgery involves removing the root tip (apex) and sealing it to prevent reinfections, thus promoting long-term oral health.
Who can I call for help with root canal retreatment?
Our offices are here to assist, with four convenient locations in Atlanta, Roswell, Cartersville, and Kennesaw, Georgia. Call (770) 952-0195 to request an initial consultation at our Atlanta office and learn more about the retreatment of your failed root canal tooth.
Meet the Doctors of Endodontics Associates Group
At Endodontics Associates Group, our board-certified endodontists bring exceptional skill, compassion, and advanced technology to every root canal procedure. With multiple convenient locations, our team is dedicated to saving natural teeth and relieving dental pain using the most biologically respectful techniques available, including GentleWave® therapy, CBCT imaging, and laser-assisted disinfection.
Each of our doctors is a specialist in diagnosing and treating complex dental pain, calcified canals, retreatments, and apical surgeries. We collaborate closely with general dentists and specialists to ensure seamless care and predictable results. Whether you're a patient in need of urgent relief or a referring dentist seeking expert support, our doctors are here to help.
Our mission is simple: preserve teeth, protect health, and provide peace of mind—one root canal at a time.