If your tooth has suffered from infection or disease in the past, you may have undergone root canal therapy. In some cases, however, the root canal treatment may not have completely solved the problem. After root canal therapy, your tooth may become infected and painful once again in a matter of months or even years. This may occur if your tooth did not heal properly after root canal therapy or if a new infection has taken root in your tooth. Your tooth may not heal as expected if complicated canal anatomy went undetected during the first treatment or if the crown or other restoration was not placed directly after the endodontic treatment. No matter the reason, if the tooth has again become infected and painful, Dr. Balasco may recommend root canal retreatment.

During root canal retreatment, which is sometimes called endodontic retreatment, Dr. Balasco will reopen the tooth, remove the filling materials that were placed during the first treatment, and carefully examine the tooth. We pay special attention to new infection or additional canals that were not treated during your initial root canal therapy. We then remove the infection, clean and shape the canals, and place new filling material. Finally, the opening in the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling to protect the tooth until you return to your general dentist for permanent restoration. To learn more about root canal retreatment and to discover whether it is right for your smile, we encourage you to contact our friendly team by calling or visiting our office today.