An infected root canal is a failed root canal or an incomplete root canal. It occurs in about 2 percent of the cases. Unfortunately, there may or may not be root canal pain so it is important to have follow up dental x-rays done about six months after every root canal.

         Most of the time, a root canal dentist will first choose to retreat an infected root canal. Retreatments are normally 50% successful, but they are worth trying because the other alternatives are more invasive. The first visit removes the old filling material, cleans out the canals and places calcium hydroxide to kill any bacteria.The second visit uses ultrasonic instruments to sterilize and completely clean the canals and the procedure is often completed.

         If the retreatment of an infected root canal fails, root canal surgery or dental extraction are the most common alternatives. If only one root of a tooth with many roots is a problem, then only the failing root can be removed in a procedure called hemisection. All root canal surgeries involve going through the bone.

         The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. They provide root canal treatment, root canal retreatment and many root canal surgery procedures. If you have an infected root canal and wish to consult with Dr. Smith, make your appointment by calling 404-874-7428.