Why Do I Need Root Canal Retreatment?
Nobody wants their initial root canal treatment to be unsuccessful, but sometimes it happens. At Indianapolis Endodontics, we are dedicated to providing assistance through root canal retreatment, which aims to alleviate discomfort, safeguard your smile, and effectively treat your tooth infection once and for all.
Root canal retreatment is typically required when complications such as complex canal anatomy or other issues were not detected during the initial procedure, resulting in incomplete elimination of the infection. If your root canal treatment fails shortly after the initial procedure, it is likely due to this reason.
To minimize the risk of such issues, Indianapolis Endodontics utilizes advanced CBCT imaging to enhance diagnostic accuracy and increase the chances of completely eradicating the infection during the initial treatment. However, in some cases, a root canal may fail years later due to factors such as new decay, a loose, broken, or cracked filling or crown, or a tooth fracture that leads to new decay and damage. In these situations, root canal retreatment becomes necessary to save and preserve your tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Retreatment
What is the Success Rate of Retreating a Root Canal?
Endodontic retreatment usually requires a comparable amount of time as a root canal procedure, as the process is quite similar. On average, the retreatment procedure takes approximately 90 minutes. However, the duration of your appointment may vary depending on your individual circumstances, potentially being shorter or longer.
What is the Duration of Retreatment?
Root canal retreatments have a success rate ranging from 80 to 88%, which is slightly lower compared to the success rate of initial root canal therapy. However, it remains a highly effective procedure, particularly when administered by skilled and experienced endodontists.
Is Endodontic Retreatment Painful?
Rest assured, your comfort is our priority at Indianapolis Endodontics. Similar to your initial root canal treatment, your mouth will be fully numbed during the retreatment process. Additionally, we provide sedation options to ensure your complete comfort throughout your visit. If you are currently experiencing tooth pain or discomfort, we strongly advise scheduling a consultation at the earliest opportunity.
What to Expect During Root Canal Retreatment
If you're anticipating an appointment for root canal retreatment, having an understanding of what to expect can be reassuring. At every stage of your visit, we are committed to providing you with the support and reassurance you need.
Advanced Imaging and Accurate Diagnosis
Your skilled endodontist at Indianapolis Endodontics will use advanced CBCT imaging to diagnose the cause of your previous root canal treatment's failure and provide precise retreatment.
Numbing for Comfort
To ensure optimal comfort, if desired, sedation options are available to further enhance your relaxation during the procedure.
Removing Dental Work & Canal Filling
Before accessing the interior of the tooth, any existing dental work such as fillings or crowns will be carefully drilled through. Additionally, the canal and filling material within the tooth will be removed to provide the necessary access to the tooth's interior.
Tooth Retreatment
During the retreatment process, your endodontist will effectively perform a comprehensive root canal procedure once more. This involves meticulously eliminating any lingering infected material, thoroughly flushing and sanitizing the tooth, and subsequently restoring both the interior and exterior of the tooth with a filling.