Although initial root canal treatment has a very high success rate, there are factors that can hinder the healing of a tooth after initial treatment. Some of those factors include: Missed/untreated canals, complex canal anatomy, delay in permanent restoration of tooth after initial endodontic treatment, microleakage due to defective restoration after initial endodontic treatment.

In other cases, there are factors that can jeopardize the healing of a successfully treated tooth. Some of those factors include: New decay that can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth, a loose, cracked or broken crown/filling that can expose the tooth to new infection, fracture of the treated tooth.

During Retreatment, the tooth is re-opened and the existing filling materials placed during the initial procedure are removed. The tooth is then carefully examined the tooth under the microscope for presence of additional canals, unusual anatomy or other causes for new infection.

Any infection is removed, the canals are cleaned, and new filling material is placed. The opening of the tooth is then sealed with a temporary filling.

Once retreatment is completed, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to its full function.