Hearing that a tooth you already had treated needs another procedure is frustrating. Nobody wants to go through something twice. But before you assume the worst, let’s talk about what endodontic retreatment actually is. In our experience, it often saves a tooth that would otherwise be lost.
What is Endodontic Retreatment?
A root canal that needs retreatment isn’t always a sign that something went wrong the first time. Most root canals are highly successful and last a lifetime. But teeth are complicated. New problems can develop months or even years after the original procedure.
Think of it like fixing a pothole. The repair works perfectly for years. But over time, traffic and shifting ground can create new issues. The same idea applies to treated teeth.
Why Would a Tooth Need Retreatment?
We see several common reasons in our Bryn Mawr office.
- New decay: If a patient doesn’t get a crown placed after their initial root canal, bacteria can sneak back in.
- Extra canals: Some teeth have tiny canals that were too small to see during the first procedure. Bacteria hiding there can cause a new infection.
- Damage: A treated tooth can develop a new chip or fracture over time. This lets bacteria reach the sealed root canal space.
- Old filling breaking down: After many years, the original seal can shrink or break down, creating a gap.
How Is Retreatment Different?
Retreatment uses the same advanced technology as a first-time root canal. There’s just one extra step. We start by numbing the area completely. Then we reopen the tooth and remove the old filling material.
Using a dental microscope, we can see inside the tooth with incredible clarity. This is a tool all our endodontists use, Drs. Toni Chen, Tina Chou, Sepideh Noorani, and Greg Newman. The microscope helps us find missed canals, locate tiny cracks, and clean areas older technology couldn’t reach.
Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, we place a new filling and seal it back up.
Is There Another Option?
Sometimes retreatment isn’t the right choice. If a tooth has a vertical fracture that runs through the entire root, we can’t save it. If there’s significant decay below the gum line, extraction may be the only answer.
That’s where our practice’s unique structure helps. If we cannot save a tooth, our periodontist Dr. Ana Kodra can evaluate you for a dental implant. Right here in the same office. You don’t get shuffled between different practices.
The Main Line Difference
We have been saving teeth since the 1930s. We have seen endodontic retreatment work successfully for countless patients. It could give you a second chance to keep a natural tooth. And in our professional opinion, keeping your natural tooth is almost always better than any replacement. With our microscopes, 3-D imaging, and ultrasonic instruments, the procedure is more precise and comfortable than ever before.
Don’t Give Up on Your Tooth
If you have been told a root canal has failed, we encourage you not to extract that tooth yet. Come see us for a second opinion. We can take a look with our CBCT scanner, see exactly what is happening, and tell you whether retreatment gives you a real shot at keeping your tooth. In our experience, the answer is yes more often than people expect.
Ready for a Second Opinion?
Don’t pull a tooth that might still be saved. Call us today at 610-590-9250 to schedule a retreatment consultation. Or visit our website to request an appointment online.
Let us take a look. We have been saving teeth here for generations. We would love to help save yours too.