A root canal is a treatment for a seriously infected. During the procedure, your dentist removes the infected part, fills the tooth, and then seals it. Though it’s uncommon, the treatment sometimes needs to be redone. There are a variety of reasons why this may be the case, so continue reading to learn what the reasons may be as well as what happens during retreatment.
6 Reasons Why Root Canals Need to Be Redone
As with any dental procedure, there’s a small chance that root canal therapy might not work as expected. If the tooth doesn’t heal properly, it could be because bacteria have entered or stayed in the tooth, leading to a new infection. This might occur for various reasons, including:
- There’s a gap in time between the root canal and crown placement
- Your tooth’s canal structure is narrow, curved, or complex
- There is damage to the dental crown or filling
- There’s new damage to the tooth
- Additional decay develops
- Saliva gets into the tooth
What to Expect During Root Canal Retreatment
Retreating a root canal involves a process similar to the initial treatment. If your first root canal was some time ago, your dentist may use updated techniques, technology, or sedation methods to enhance effectiveness and ensure your comfort during the procedure.
Your dentist will numb your mouth with a local anesthetic before removing the crown or filling to reopen the tooth. Then, they’ll take out the previous filling material along with any newly infected or untreated tissue. After disinfecting, refilling, and resealing the tooth, the procedure will be complete.
How to Make Your Root Canal Last
To avoid future root canal retreatment, consider these preventive measures for maintaining a healthy smile:
- Visit your dentist – Regular dental checkups twice a year enable your dentist to assess your oral health and ensure your smile stays healthy.
- Practice good dental hygiene – To remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria, brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day and floss every night.
- Avoid bad habits – This involves habits like smoking, biting nails, drinking excessively, and using teeth to open bottles or packages.
Root canal procedures are highly successful, but patients may occasionally need to undergo retreatment. If this happens to you, you will now have the information you need to understand what treatment entails and how it can earn you a healthy, happy, and beautiful smile!
About the Practice
Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas is dedicated to delivering exceptional oral healthcare, prioritizing the maintenance of healthy and strong smiles. With a commitment to excellence, they extend their services to the Dallas community, offering comprehensive dental care to help individuals maintain their radiant grins. Specializing in procedures like root canals, they provide effective solutions for repairing damaged teeth and ensuring optimal oral health. Additionally, their expertise includes root canal retreatment, ensuring that patients receive the necessary care. To schedule an appointment with Arts Family Dentistry of Dallas or to learn more about retreatment, call (954) 288-8582 or visit their website.