It wasn’t a banner day when your dentist said you needed a root canal, but despite all of the negative things you’ve heard about the procedure, you barely felt anything in the chair, and it made your toothache finally go away!
But, that same tooth has started to hurt again, and not only are you uncomfortable, but confused. How is this happening? Wasn’t the problem completely removed the first time? This situation isn’t that uncommon, but fortunately, there is a procedure specifically designed to solve it.
What Exactly is Root Canal Retreatment?
Your instinct is correct—root canal retreatment is essentially getting a root canal on a tooth that has already undergone a root canal (more about why this is necessary below).
The procedure should be pretty familiar. The dentist starts by numbing the area, removes the crown if there is one, and accesses the interior of the tooth. They then clean and disinfect the area before placing a new filling. Either at the same appointment or a follow-up, a crown is cemented on top.
Why Would I Need Root Canal Retreatment?
Many patients are frustrated to hear that their treated tooth needs yet another procedure, and it’s completely understandable. Root canal retreatment might be needed because:
- The original infection wasn’t fully taken care of the first time.
- New decay or infection has developed in the tooth.
- The tooth and/or crown has fractured, exposing the inside.
Often, the dentist didn’t perform the first root canal correctly, or the patient didn’t practice consistent oral hygiene or get their crown following the procedure. Pinpointing the cause isn’t about assigning blame, but rather identifying what happened so this problem doesn’t come up again in the future.
Signs You Might Need Root Canal Retreatment
If you’ve received a root canal, but that tooth is starting to hurt or become more sensitive, it’s wise to reach out to your dentist right away. Addressing the problem immediately will enable them to intervene quickly and conservatively to save you from more discomfort (and potentially an extraction).
Despite needing to come in twice for the same tooth, root canal retreatment is still less expensive and time-consuming compared to removing and replacing it. You can trust that your dentist will share your frustration, but they’ll also do everything they can to stop your pain and make sure it doesn’t come back.
About the Author
Dr. Estella Guo is a dentist in Bellaire who, after earning her dental degree at New York University in 2010, moved to Southwest Houston and accumulated more than 10 years of experience in the field. She’s able to provide timely treatment should a dental emergency occur, so if you have a cracked, broken, or hurting tooth in need of immediate care, contact us by clicking here or calling (713) 280-4441.