Retreatment of Failed Root Canals
While root canal therapy has a high success rate, there are cases where a previously treated tooth does not heal as expected or develops new problems months or years after the initial treatment. Retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the original filling material from the canals, thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the canal system, and resealing the space. The goal is to resolve the persistent or recurrent infection and give the tooth another opportunity to heal.
At Bensonhurst Dental Care, root canal retreatment is performed by Dr. Alex Rubinshtein, who uses advanced imaging and magnification to identify the cause of failure and address it with precision. Common reasons a root canal may fail include complex canal anatomy that was not fully cleaned during the original treatment, a delayed or inadequate restoration that allowed bacteria to re-enter the tooth, new decay or a crack that compromised the seal, or persistent infection in the root tip area.
The retreatment process follows a similar protocol to the initial root canal but involves the added step of removing the existing filling material. Dr. Alex carefully cleans the canals again, locates and treats any missed canals or areas of residual infection, and reseals the tooth. Once the retreatment is complete, the tooth is restored with a new crown to protect it and prevent recontamination.
In cases where retreatment alone is not sufficient to resolve the issue, an apicoectomy may be recommended as a surgical alternative to address infection at the root tip directly. Dr. Alex evaluates every case thoroughly before recommending the most effective approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a root canal fail?
Root canals can fail due to complex or curved canal anatomy that was not fully treated, delayed crown placement that allowed bacteria to re-enter, new fractures or decay affecting the treated tooth, or persistent infection at the root apex. In some cases, the original treatment was performed years ago with older techniques and materials.
Is retreatment as effective as the original root canal?
Retreatment has a good success rate, particularly when the cause of failure can be clearly identified and addressed. Advanced technology and techniques available today often allow Dr. Alex to treat areas that were not accessible during the original procedure.
Is retreatment more painful than the original root canal?
Retreatment is performed under local anesthesia and is comparable in comfort to the initial procedure. Patients who were experiencing pain from the failing root canal typically find that the retreatment provides significant relief.
What if retreatment does not work?
If retreatment is unable to resolve the infection, an apicoectomy may be recommended. This surgical procedure accesses the root tip directly to remove the infected tissue and seal the end of the root. In rare cases where neither retreatment nor surgery can save the tooth, extraction and replacement with an implant may be necessary.
