With proper care, most teeth that have had endodontic (root canal) treatment can last as long as other natural teeth. IN some cases, however, if your body has failed to heal or if a new problem occurs down the road you may have a second chance through endodontic retreatment. Fifteen years ago many endodontic cases could not be retreated, but through the technology of ultrasonics and microscopes and advanced training many more teeth can be saved though retreatment.

Over 90% of endodontically treated cases after initial treatment. Cases that are not going to heal usually manifest themselves within the first 18 months after the first treatment, and in these cases there are oftentimes biologic factors beyond the dentists and patients control that come into play such as:

• Aggressive drug resistant bacteria
• Calcified or curved canals that could not be negotiated
• Calcified or blocked root tips
• Failure to quickly replace the temporary with a crown

In cases that were endodontically treated and healed reinfection can occur sometimes years later due to redecay, a crown coming off repeatedly, cracks or fractures, or crown & bridge cement breakdown and subsequent microleakage.

If retreatment is opted for then a reaccess opening is made to the canal system usually through the existing crown. Is some cases it may be advised that the old crown be first removed especially if there is obvious redecay. After all a tight or good seal at the crown end is extremely important. We are trying to keep the bacteria out of the canal space. If the tooth has a post in one of the roots, it usually also needs to be removed. Once the old core filling material is out of the way, the root canal filling is removed using a combination of hand files, solvent, and ultrasonics. The canals are irrigated with disinfecting solutions, dried, and refilled with clean gutta percha and sealer or root canal filling. A temporary filing is placed in the access opening, and usually a new crown is needed. A three month recall x-ray is recommended to check for healing.

A consultation visit is recommended prior to scheduling retreatments due to the many variables that may affect success of this type case, and so that treatment options and success rates can be discussed. This allows us to gather and give you the necessary information so that you can make the correct decision regarding your dental treatment plan.