Endodontic treatment
Retreatment of a root canal
Retreatment opens a tooth that already had a root canal, removes the old filling material, cleans the canals again and seals them. It is for a tooth that is sore, or shows signs of infection, months or years after its first treatment.
How long it takes
Retreatment often takes one or two visits of an hour to an hour and a half.
What happens
The visit, step by step.
- 01
Step 1: Exam and imaging
We compare today's radiograph with the one from the first treatment, and test the tooth.
- 02
Step 2: Taking the crown or filling apart
If the tooth has a crown or a post, your dentist may need to remove it first. We tell you before the visit.
- 03
Step 3: Cleaning again
Under the microscope, Dr. Krishnan removes the old material, looks for canals that were missed and cleans them.
- 04
Step 4: Sealing
The canals are sealed and the tooth is closed with a temporary filling.
- 05
Step 5: Back to your dentist
Your dentist restores the tooth again. We send a report with the new radiographs.
Before you decide
Comfort
The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic before we start. Most people feel pressure and vibration, not pain, and you can ask us to pause at any time.
Other options, and waiting
A tooth that is sore after a root canal can be a sign of infection that is still there. It may spread and may cost the tooth. Other options are root-end surgery or removing the tooth.
Risks and after-care
Retreatment carries the same risks as a first root canal, and more: an old crown or post may be damaged when it is taken off, and a tooth that has been treated before can be more brittle. We explain what applies to yours before we begin.
How it is billed
We bill this as endodontic treatment, and give you a written estimate before it starts. We file claims with the plans we are in network with.
How fees work
Questions about retreatment of a root canal
How do I know if I need retreatment?
Only an exam can tell. Soreness, a bump on the gum or a dark area on a radiograph are reasons to have a tooth looked at.
Is retreatment always possible?
No. Some teeth are too cracked or have too little structure left. We tell you what we find and what the other options are.
Will my dentist hear from you?
Yes. We write to your dentist after the visit, and send the radiographs.
Dr. Krishnan treats this at Front Street.
Treatment is provided by Dr. Sudha Krishnan, endodontist. Her training is on her profile page.