What it means when a tooth with a root canal hurts is most likely that the root canal treatment fails to work as expected. The treated tooth might not heal properly or a patient might feel post-root-canal complications that threaten the prognosis of the tooth. Root canal retreatment would require the removal of the previous porcelain or metal crown and root canal filling material, the cleaning of the root canals, and the re-packing and redoing of the crown of the tooth. In short, root canal retreatment is almost identical to the original treatment, aside from the structural removal. The rate of success for a root canal retreatment is about 75%. At Doctors Network, we realize the value of having access to a skilled endodontist, so we have made it extremely simple to request an appointment with a local root canal specialist.
Root canal treatments and re-dos are better than tooth extraction for Brooklyn patients. If a tooth has healthy gums beneath it, a solid surface, and enough bone support, it stands a good chance of being saved and restored. Opting for root canal retreatment in Brooklyn, NY can be far less costly than the alternatives. Extensive bridgework and dental implants are much more costly than working with a natural tooth. They also require maintenance and feel less aesthetic than a “natural” tooth.
Why is root canal retreatment required?
Though the prospect of more endodontic surgery can’t be pleasant, root canal re-do is fairly simple. In general, the entire treatment can be completed in less than 3 visits.
There are several reasons why root canal therapy fails, including:
- Delay in restoring the tooth after the procedure.
- Curved or narrow canals not treated during the original treatment.
- Broken crown leaking filling material.
- New carious lesion on the tooth.
- New fracture in the treated tooth.
- Undetected canal structures.
- Saliva entering the restorative structure.
If you experience these dental issues, please don’t procrastinate. Visit Doctors Network to find some of the top Brooklyn endodontists near you.
What does root canal retreatment involve?
On the day of the redo procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered for numbing the tooth, unless another anesthetic has been recommended. The infected tooth is isolated with a rubber dam. The dam protects the tooth during treatment from bacteria in saliva. The amount of cleaning the endodontist can do on a single visit will depend upon the extent of inflammation present, and the complexity of the canals.
The first step in root canal redo is to gain access to the inner tooth. If a crown and post are present, they will need to be removed.
Then, the filling material and any obstructions that block the root canals will be removed. This removal is usually conducted utilizing an ultrasonic instrument. The advantage of using this dental handpiece is that any unwanted material is loosened easily. Tiny instruments will then be used to clean and widen the failing root canals. Dental X-rays may be used to confirm that the rot canals are thoroughly clean. If this part of the treatment proves to be complex, medicated agents will be applied, and the rest of the cleansing procedure can be done at the next visit.
When the dentist is confident that the root canals are completely sterile, gutta-percha material is used to pack them. This rubbery material seals the root canals to prevent re-infection. Lastly, a provisional crown or filling is applied to the tooth. At a later visit, the custom-made permanent crown will be placed.
If you need to get a root canal redo in Brooklyn, NY, or its neighborhoods such as Crown Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, or Park Slope, ask 1st Impression Dental, or its director Dr. Shahin.
