A Root Canal All Over Again

At root canal has become synonymous with all things unpleasant in today’s language for good reason. It is incredibly un-enjoyable experience all the way around.

But what if you needed a root canal in the worst way to alleviate pain, discomfort or other troubling symptoms, you went in and had one performed and these symptoms returned or were never alleviated in the first place.

Unfortunately, the answer very well may be exactly what it was in the first place: Have a root canal - again!

As bad as undergoing this process once sounds, going through it a second time sounds only that much more horrible. But if solving the problem and alleviating pain and discomfort in a tooth or teeth is the goal and the first procedure did not accomplish it, it is very likely that the best option is to go through with it a second time.

This second, follow-up treatment has a simple name - endodontic retreatment - because it is just that: A retreatment. While the actual work done is often comparable to what may have been done the first time around, this retreatment focuses on correcting what may have been done incorrectly or left incomplete, or completing what may have been left undone.

While the most common indication that retreatment may be necessary is the recurrence or continuation of symptoms, infections, tooth abscesses and other similar complications can also indicate this need. The reason for failure of the initial procedure is often a lack of sufficient debridement of the area the first time around, which can usually be fixed with a second course of treatment.

Infection or other similar complications can be an indication that bacteria has built up in and around the treated area. This can be an issue unique to this part of the mouth and teeth because bacteria that builds up in this area of the teeth is unique and different from that which may be found in other, more commonly accessible areas of the mouth.

While retreatment is mostly a repeat of the initial procedure, it is technically a more complex and intricate version. There is far more detail and precision involved in the process and it can also take far longer and require much more meticulous attention than the prior procedure.

Because of this extra degree of care needed, retreatments are often referred by dentists to endodontic specialists who focus on this type of work. At the same time, there are many instances when dentists themselves are capable of completing the treatment.

The best way to avoid having to undergo a second root canal is to ensure that the initial one is done correctly and thoroughly. The best way to accomplish this is to work with a properly trained and certified dental professional throughout the process. Even still, complications beyond control may still occur.