Endodontic Retreatment
ENDODONTIC RETREATMENT IN CHARLOTTE NC
We don’t just start root canals—we finish them! Every now and then, a root canal can fail or get reinfected and we can fix it. Ballantyne Endodontics is proud to provide patients with endodontic retreatment in Charlotte, NC.
What is endodontic retreatment for a reinfected root canal?
Root canals are an extremely safe and common procedure, with a 90-95% success rate. When performed correctly, and when you get the appropriate aftercare, your tooth that’s been treated with a root canal will last as long as any other natural tooth. Correct treatment happens when your dental care team finds all the canals in your tooth, clean each of them all the way to the tip, fills and seals them, and then secures them with a crown in a timely manner.
However, there are some cases where a root canal may fail or otherwise need further treatment, sometimes months or even years after the original root canal was performed. If this happens, don’t worry! We can help you out with an endodontic retreatment procedure..
First things first, we’ll have a consultation to make sure we understand what’s going on in your tooth and that we reach a correct diagnosis. This is because we want to know your whole tooth story, since it can impact your treatment options! .
We follow the two cardinal rules of root canals at Ballantyne Endodontics: 1) Find every single canal, and 2) Get to the end of every single canal..
Next, we will reach a diagnosis. To do this, we will take x-rays to see what’s happening inside your tooth. In addition, we may use our special 3-D imaging technology to make sure we’ve spotted every single canal in your unique tooth. (This is cardinal rule number one!).
Then, during your endodontic retreatment, we will reopen your tooth to remove the old restorative filling from the original root canal. We will thoroughly inspect and clean the tooth’s canals to prevent any further infection. (This is cardinal rule number two!).
Finally, we will refill and reseal the canals, and we’ll place a temporary or permanent filling in the tooth. You’ll be able to complete your final restoration with your restorative dentist—because your root canal isn’t fully complete until your tooth is restored..
Retreatment is a routine procedure, and it’s nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure you don’t wait on getting treatment, because an infection can cause pain and further health complications..
Have a reinfected root canal? Charlotte, NC is home to Ballantyne Endodontics, and we’d be happy to help with your endodontic retreatment procedure—so you can be pain free once again!.
Why do I need endodontic retreatment?
When a root canal fails to heal, or it continues to cause the pain, there are a few possible causes.
If any of the tooth’s canals were curved, narrow, or otherwise complex, it’s possible some of the old infection managed to survive, which allowed the bacteria to be able to hide out in the pulp. (We prevent this with high-tech imaging that lets us see in every nook and cranny—as well as the GentleWave Procedure, which uses irrigation to get into every little corner!)
You might also need endodontic retreatment if the permanent crown or restoration wasn’t placed quick enough after your original procedure. It’s rare, but it is possible for infections to leak in through a poorly-fitting crown.
It’s also possible you might need an endodontic retreatment procedure for a different reason that’s totally unrelated to your original root canal. For instance, there might be new decay in a previously treated tooth that’s exposing the root canal filling material, and causing an infection. You might also have a new infection because of cracked or loose fillings and crowns. It could also be due to oral hygiene.
Whatever is going on to cause your tooth concern, we’ll get to the bottom of it. Tell us your tooth story during your consultation. We’ll listen closely, use our state-of-the-art imaging, and our GentleWave® technology, and we’ll make sure your endodontic retreatment procedure goes smoothly.
What happens after endodontic retreatment?
The follow-up and recovery for endodontic retreatment is just like any root canal. Click here to read more.
It’s extremely important that you visit your restorative dentist as soon as possible—ideally within 2 weeks of retreatment—to have a new crown or restoration placed on the tooth.
We’ll also ask you to return to our office 6 to 12 months after your treatment for a no-cost check-in, where we’ll make sure your healing is on track.