ROOT CANAL RETREATMENT

For a number of reasons, previously treated root canals can sometimes fail to heal or become reinfected. Retreatment (or corrective root canal therapy) is the process of re-performing a root canal. It relieves symptoms and can save your tooth.

Retreatment therapy is necessary when root canal therapy or root canal surgery does not heal optimally or the tooth becomes reinfected. These are some of the primary causes:

• Curved, narrow, or complicated canals that were not treated during the initial treatment
• Restorations that were not placed within the appropriate amount of time following the initial root canal procedure
• Restorations which did not prevent saliva from contaminating the inside of the tooth.
• New decay or a fractured or loose restoration can expose the tooth to a new infection.
• Improper treatment on the root canal system of the tooth during the first root canal.
• Infected canals being missed or not treated at all.
• Remnant foreign body left inside of the root canal system such as a separated file. 

Retreatments can be complex, requiring high magnification and digital imaging, but this is an area in which Dr. Shinn has well-studied and practiced for over 45-years.   The materials used for the original root canal filling are then removed so Dr. Shinn can carefully examine the inside of the problematic tooth.  Any new infection is then addressed, and Dr. Shinn cleans and shapes the canals, placing root canal filling materials and a temporary filling in the crown afterward, as with the original root canal treatment.

As with initial endodontic treatment, a record of your treatment will be sent to your general dentist upon completion. Your general dentist will decide on what type of restoration is necessary to protect your tooth and restore functionality.

If you have a dental emergency, please call us right away at (+310) 649-3636 Obtaining prompt evaluation and treatment may help save your tooth and prevent any further chronic pains.