Please note we may not offer this service. Contact (408) 377-5134 to learn more.
Do You Need Root Canal Retreatment?
If you’ve already had a root canal treatment but are still feeling discomfort or pain months later, you might be wondering why the problem has returned. In many cases, a previously treated tooth may require a root canal retreatment—a specialized dental procedure designed to save your natural tooth and protect your long-term oral health.
At Silicon Valley Smile Solutions, Dr. Amir HagShenas uses advanced techniques to help patients get relief from infected root canals and preserve their smiles. If you’re dealing with severe pain after root canal therapy, contact our San Jose dental practice today at (408) 377-5134 to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients in San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Santa Clara, and we welcome those searching for a dentist near you for retreatment.
What Is Root Canal Retreatment?
A root canal retreatment is performed when an initial root canal treatment doesn’t fully resolve the dental infection or damage inside the root canal system.
While the first procedure removes infected pulp and seals the tooth, complex root canal anatomy, missed canals, or new decay can sometimes lead to reinfection. Endodontic retreatment reopens the tooth, removes old filling material, cleans the canals thoroughly, and reseals them to promote healing.
Benefits of Root Canal Retreatment
Choosing root canal retreatment offers several benefits compared to tooth extraction or other alternatives:
- Pain Relief: Eliminates lingering discomfort from a failed tooth.
- Tooth Preservation: Saves your natural tooth and avoids the need for dental implants.
- Cost-Effective: Typically less costly than extraction plus tooth replacement.
- Prevents Spread of Infection: Stops bacteria from reaching the surrounding bone or surrounding teeth.
- Corrects Prior Treatment Issues: Addresses missed canals, temporary filling problems, or incomplete sealing from the initial treatment.
- Supports Long-Term Oral Health: Keeps your bite alignment intact and helps you chew comfortably.
Causes of a Failed Root Canal
Several factors can cause a tooth to need retreatment:
- Complications During the Initial Procedure: Complex root canal anatomy, curved roots, or missed canals may leave bacteria inside the tooth.
- Delayed Restoration: Waiting too long to place a new crown after the first procedure allows bacteria to re-enter.
- Dental Fractures or Cracks: Even small cracks can allow infection into the treated area.
- New Decay: Cavities or gum disease around a treated tooth can compromise the seal.
- Trauma: Accidents can damage the treated tooth or expose it to bacteria.
Root Canal Retreatment Procedure
Here’s what to expect during a root canal retreatment procedure:
- Examination and Diagnosis: We evaluate the affected tooth, often using digital X-rays, to detect infection or additional canals.
- Local Anesthesia: The treated area is numbed for comfort.
- Accessing the Tooth: We gain access through the crown or filling.
- Removal of Old Filling Material: The original root canal filling material is carefully taken out.
- Thorough Cleaning & Shaping: We remove infected nerve tissue and disinfect the canals.
- Refilling & Sealing: The canals are filled with biocompatible material and sealed.
- Restoration: A new crown or other restoration is placed to protect the tooth.
Post-Procedure Care
To heal properly after retreatment:
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it’s fully restored.
- Practice proper care—brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly.
- Attend all follow-up visits so we can monitor healing.
- If discomfort occurs, over-the-counter pain relief may be used as directed by your dentist.
Alternatives to Root Canal Retreatment
If retreatment isn’t an appropriate treatment option, alternatives include:
- Endodontic Surgery: Often called apicoectomy, it removes the root tip.
- Tooth Extraction: Sometimes necessary for severely damaged teeth, though it may require dental implants or bridges for tooth replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a root canal retreatment is virtually painless. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic or form of dental sedation to ensure you remain comfortable during the root canal procedure.
Many plans offer dental insurance coverage for retreatment, but benefits vary. Our team can help you verify coverage before your specialized dental procedure.
The sooner you address a failed tooth, the better your chances of saving it with a root canal retreatment and protecting your long-term oral health.
Yes. Potential complications like new decay or trauma can cause infection months or even years after the first root canal treatment.
Contact a San Jose Dentist Near You for Root Canal Retreatment
Don’t let lingering tooth pain affect your daily life. If you suspect you may need a root canal retreatment, call Silicon Valley Smile Solutions today at (408) 377-5134 to schedule an evaluation. Our dentist near you welcomes patients searching for dentists near me in San Jose, Campbell, Los Gatos, and Santa Clara.