If you are wondering, “If root canals fail, what is the point of getting one?”, you are not alone. Root canal procedures when done properly can act as a last resort and save the tooth that will otherwise be extracted. However, sometimes, root canal treatment fails to work as expected. The root-canaled tooth might fail to heal or a patient might have continuous post-operative complications that jeopardize the prognosis of the tooth. Root canal retreatment entails the sectioning and removing of the existing porcelain or metal crown and gutta-percha material, the cleaning and shaping of the root canals, and the redoing the root fillings and re-crowning of the tooth. In short, the redo of a root canal is almost identical to the first root canal procedure, not considering the gutta-percha and crown removal. The success rate for a root canal retreatment runs at about 75 percent. At Doctors Network, we realize the value of having a skilled endodontist, so we have made it extremely simple to find and book an appointment with a local root canal specialist.
Root canal therapies and re-dos are a better option than tooth extraction for most Brooklyn patients. If a tooth has healthy gums beneath it, a solid surface, and enough bone support, it stands a good chance of being saved. Opting for root canal retreatment in Brooklyn, NY is most likely less costly than the alternatives. Extensive bridgework and dental implants are more expensive than restoring the natural tooth. Additionally, they require maintenance and appear less aesthetic than a “real” tooth.
Why is root canal re-do needed?
Even though the prospect of more endodontic therapy is not pleasant, root canal retreatment is fairly straightforward. In general, the whole treatment can be completed in less than 3 visits.
There are several reasons why root canal treatment fails, including:
- Delay in the restoring the tooth following the root canal treatment.
- Narrow canals not cleaned during the first procedure.
- Cracked dental crown leaking filling material.
- New caries on the tooth.
- New crack in the tooth.
- Undetected canal structures.
- Saliva entering the tooth crown.
If you suspect these dental issues, please do not wait. Visit Doctors Network to find the ideal dental specialist for yourself and prevent a dental emergency.
On the first visit of the retreatment procedure, a local anesthetic will be used for numbing the area, unless another type of anesthetic is selected. The affected tooth is isolated with a dental dam. The dam protects the tooth during retreatment from saliva and its bacteria. The amount of cleaning the dentist can do within one appointment depends on the extent of infection present, and the irregularities of the canals.
The first challenge in root canal retreatment is to gain access to the inner tooth. If a gold post and crown are present, they will need to be removed.
After that, filling material and obstructions that block the root canals have to be removed. The removal is usually performed with the help of an ultrasonic drill. The benefit of using this handpiece is that any unwanted material is vibrated loose. Very small dental files will be used to clean and widen the failing root canals. X-rays may be used to ensure that the rot canals are thoroughly clean. If this part of the treatment proves to be complex, medicated CaOH will be applied to the preparations, and the rest of the steps can be completed at the next appointment.
When the dentist is confident that the canals are completely clean, gutta-percha filling is used to pack the space. This rubbery material hermetically seals the canals to prevent re-infection. Lastly, a temporary filling or crown is placed on the tooth. At a later visit, the custom-fabricated permanent crown will be delivered.
If you need a root canal retreatment in Brooklyn, NY, or its neighborhoods such as Crown Heights, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, or Park Slope, ask 1st Impression Dental, or its founder Dr. Pooria Shahin DDS.
Read More: Tips for a Painless Root Canal