Root Canal Retreatment
Redoing a root canal that has failed or become reinfected.
What it is
Most root canals last for years, but some fail. A canal can be narrow or curved enough that a small branch was missed, a seal can break down, or new decay can let bacteria back in. Retreatment reopens the tooth, removes the old filling material, cleans the canals again and reseals them.
When you might need it
- Pain returning in a tooth already treated
- Swelling or a recurring bump on the gum
- A crown or filling on a treated tooth has come loose
- A dentist has spotted a problem on an X-ray
What the appointment involves
- The tooth reopened and the old material removed
- The canals cleaned and disinfected again
- The canals resealed
Afterwards
Retreatment is more involved than a first root canal, which is why it is done over two visits. Tenderness afterwards is normal and settles over several days.
This page explains the procedure in general terms so you know what you are looking at. It is not a diagnosis and not a treatment plan. What is right for you depends on your own teeth, and that needs an examination.
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