Endodontic Retreatment
Sometimes a tooth that has been treated with a root canal does not heal properly and may become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment. If your tooth failed to heal or develops new problems, there is a second chance available through retreatment. If you have pain or discomfort in a previously treated tooth, contact Dr. Cook and Louisville Endodontics today!
Why do I need retreatment?
Occasionally it happens that a tooth may not heal as expected after your initial dental or medical procedure. This can happen due to several factors including:
- Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure.
- Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.
- The placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment.
- The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth.
In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example:
- New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth.
- A loose, cracked or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection.
- A tooth sustains a fracture.
During retreatment, Dr. Cook and his gentle staff will reopen your tooth and remove the filling materials that were placed in the root canals during the first procedure. He will then carefully examines the tooth, looking for additional canals or new infection. If infection is found Dr. Cook will remove the infection, clean and shape the canal(s), and place new filling materials. The opening is then sealed with a temporary filling and once the tooth heals, a new crown or other restoration is placed on the tooth to protect it.
