Root Canal Retreatment

Root canal retreatment is an intervention conducted when a past treated tooth does not heal as expected or becomes reinfected. In this intervention, the endodontist carefully reopens the tooth, removes the existing filling material, and debrides and sterilizes the root canal system before isolating it again.

Your Questions, Answered

Q: Why would a tooth need retreatment after a previous root canal?

A: New dental trauma, the development of a cavity, decay beneath a crown, a broken filling, or a crack in the tooth can allow bacteria to enter and cause a new infection inside the tooth. Additionally, if a final restoration—such as a crown or permanent filling—was not placed promptly after your root canal treatment, the tooth may be more susceptible to reinfection.