Infection inside a tooth must be addressed promptly. The typical approach is root canal therapy, which is like a last-ditch effort to save the tooth from extraction. Extracting the infected tooth can cause additional concerns, and dentists do their best to save natural teeth. Although root canal therapy has a high success rate, the procedure may fail in some cases. If there are evident signs of reinfection, such as gum problems and toothaches, root canal retreatment becomes necessary. It is also an endodontic treatment, and before you visit your family dentistry in Artesia for the procedure, here are some things to know.
Reasons why a patient may need root canal retreatment
Patients often have serious concerns about root canal therapy, and the idea of a second treatment is scarier for obvious reasons. However, root canal retreatment is the best way to save a tooth that has been affected by decay or injury again. There are many reasons why that may happen. For instance, the filling material or the crown may have cracked, causing a new infection. In some cases, root canals may not have been cleaned and treated entirely during the original treatment procedure, leading to new symptoms. Typically, a crown is necessary after root canal therapy, and if there is a delay in encasing or capping the tooth, the infection may resurface. Root canals may have complex structures, which may not have been addressed during the initial treatment.
Is root canal retreatment better than extraction?
Yes, any treatment that can save your natural tooth is better than extraction. However, your dentist will only take a call after they have checked everything. In general, if the jawbone and gums are healthy, root canal retreatment is considered a perfect alternative rather than removing the tooth. Generally, root canal retreatment has a success rate of 75%.
Procedure at a glance
Once your dentist explains the treatment, they usually take new X-rays of the infected tooth. It may be necessary to visit the clinic more than once for root canal retreatment. During the first appointment, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic agent to numb the gums and the affected tooth. They will place a rubber dam to keep the tooth isolated and free from saliva. They will first remove the crown, after which they will remove the filling materials using a handpiece. The root canals are then cleaned and reshaped. New X-rays may be necessary to ensure the canals are clean. The final step is to cleanse the tooth from inside and seal it using filling materials. Depending on the extent of inflammation, your dentist may use temporary filling between sessions, and the whole root canal retreatment procedure can be divided into two to three appointments. 
Is a crown necessary after root canal retreatment?
Much like root canal therapy, you will need a crown for the treated tooth after root canal retreatment. That can take two more appointments. Your dentist will first take impressions of your bite, shape your tooth as required, and send the mold to a lab to order a crown. During the next appointment, the crown will be checked for shape and fit, and if everything is okay, it will be cemented in place. Crowns can last for up to fifteen years, depending on the material.
If you have questions about root canal retreatment or the risks and complications, talk to your dentist in detail. There is no pain involved, but the procedure is slightly more complex than initial root canal therapy, and outcomes may vary. Make sure to choose a known and reputed dental clinic in Artesia for your treatment.