Root canal retreatment is when a new root canal is done for a previously treated tooth There was a root canal failure and the patient usually was experiencing root canal pain. However, many failures are painless and are only found after taking a follow up x-ray. A root canal procedure may be necessary because of new decay or there may be untreated areas in one or more of the previously treated canals.

        Root canal retreatment is significantly more difficult than the initial procedure when it's being done a second time on the same tooth. The canals no longer have their natural shape since the original canals were previously altered by the original dentist. There are often unnaturally directed paths or incompletely filled areas inside previously treated canals.

         In most cases, a root canal retreatment involves a tooth that has had a core build up and dental crown. Removing the crown and carefully removing the core build up without damaging the pulp chamber or canals takes time and special care. Because of the added time and difficulty, this procedure is more costly than a regular root canal.

        Unfortunately, because the tooth has already had a failure, there is an decreased chance of success with a root canal retreat. However, careful root canal retreatment can often be successful and avoid root canal surgery or worse, dental extraction. If you are concerned about a previously treated tooth and would like to schedule a free dental consultation with Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky or Dr. Jeffrey Stephen Smith, make an appointment at 404-874-7428.