Clinical review: Dr. Samreen Ejaz, BDS, RDS ·
Why a treated tooth can cause trouble again
Sometimes a root-filled tooth starts hurting again, months or years later. The filling or crown on top may have leaked, or part of the canal system may need more cleaning. But a crack or something else entirely could be causing the pain, so we don’t assume retreatment is the answer until we’ve examined the tooth and taken an X-ray.
Bring your old records if you have them
Old X-rays, notes from the dentist who did the first root canal, and roughly when the crown or filling was placed all help. Dr. Samreen will check the crown or filling and the rest of the tooth, not only the roots. The real question is whether, after retreatment, you’ll still have a tooth that can be rebuilt and used.
How it’s different from a first root canal
The old root filling has to come out before we can clean the canals again. A crown, core or post can get in the way, and sometimes has to be cut through or removed. We’ll talk this through, including costs, before we start. The new filling or crown afterwards is part of the plan too.
Other options and follow-up
In some cases surgery at the root tip (an apicoectomy) or taking the tooth out makes more sense, and we may refer you. After retreatment, look after the temporary filling and come back for the final repair. Healing around the root takes time, so we’ll check it at later visits. If swelling spreads, or you have a fever or trouble swallowing or breathing, go to a hospital emergency.
BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Questions about root canal retreatment
Will I lose my crown?
Not always. Sometimes we can work through it and repair the hole. Sometimes it has to come off or be replaced. We’ll tell you before starting.
Is retreatment the same as an apicoectomy?
No. Retreatment goes in through the top of the tooth, like the first root canal did. An apicoectomy is surgery through the gum to reach the tip of the root.
How many visits will it take?
Often two or more, because the old material has to come out first. We’ll give you a better idea once we’ve seen the tooth.
This is general information. What’s right for your tooth depends on what Dr. Samreen finds when she examines it.
Background reading: AAE: endodontic retreatment. These are overseas sources, so their prices and rules don’t apply here.