Most teeth heal well after a root canal. Occasionally a treated tooth fails to heal, or pain returns months or years later. Common causes include:
- A canal that wasn't found or treated during the first procedure
- A crown or restoration that wasn't placed soon enough after treatment
- A restoration whose seal broke down, letting saliva and bacteria back into the tooth
Why retreatment starts with a consultation
Not every previously treated tooth is a good candidate for retreatment. Your visit begins with an evaluation and a cone beam CT (CBCT) scan — a 3D image of the tooth, surrounding bone, soft tissue and nerve pathways that reveals far more than a traditional X-ray. Together we'll decide whether retreatment is the right option.
The procedure
The tooth is reopened and the original filling material is removed. The doctor cleans every canal, carefully examines the inside of the tooth for cracks or missed anatomy, then fills and seals it again. As with any root canal, return to your general dentist promptly to restore the tooth permanently.