Why do I need another Root Canal?

Teeth with endodontic treatment or root canal treatment can last a lifetime. Sometimes, a tooth does not heal properly and can become diseased or painful, months to years after the initial root canal. Another root canal or retreatment may be necessary to relieve your pain and work to save the tooth.

A tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:

• Narrow or curved canals were not treated during the initial procedure.
• Complicated canal anatomy went undetected in the first procedure.
• The placement of the crown or other restoration was delayed following the endodontic treatment.
• The restoration did not prevent salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth.

In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example:

• New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth.
• A loose, cracked, or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection.
• A tooth sustains a fracture.

Should I get another Root Canal?

The best option is to save the tooth. Advances in technology are constantly changing the way root canal treatment is performed. Our Endodontists are trained to use the GentleWave root canal technology. These advances in technology increase the odds of having healthy functioning teeth for a lifetime.

As with any dental or medical procedure, there are no guarantees. We will discuss your options and the chances of success before beginning retreatment.