Root canal retreatment
Retreatment is a second root canal on a tooth that had one before. We remove the old filling, look for what was missed or has changed, clean the canals again and reseal them.
It is for a tooth that was treated and is now sore, swollen, has a bump on the gum, or shows a shadow at the root tip on an X-ray. We look first, and we tell you whether retreatment, microsurgery or removal fits your tooth.
What happens
The steps are close to a first root canal, with more time spent looking.
- 01
Step 1: Review
We look at your earlier X-rays, take new ones and examine the tooth and the gum around it.
- 02
Step 2: Reopening
We remove the crown or filling if needed, then the old filling in the canals, under the microscope.
- 03
Step 3: Looking for what was missed
We check for extra canals, blocked canals and cracks, and clean what we can reach.
- 04
Step 4: Sealing, then your dentist
We reseal the canals and place a temporary or final filling. Your dentist rebuilds the tooth.
Comfort, choices and cost
Comfort
We numb the tooth with local anesthetic. Most people feel pressure, not pain, and we stop whenever you ask. We don't offer IV or oral sedation.
Other choices, and waiting
The other choices are microsurgery at the root tip, removing the tooth, or watching it for now. Each has costs and trade-offs, and we will go through them with the estimate beside each. Waiting can let an infection spread.
Risks and after-care
Retreatment has the risks of a first root canal, and some more: an old crown may need to be removed, a canal may be blocked, and a crack may turn up that was not visible before. Some teeth cannot be saved. Your endodontist explains the risks before you decide, and gives written after-care.
How it is billed
You get a written estimate before treatment. Our fees page explains insurance, receipts and paying yourself.
How fees work
Questions about root canal retreatment
Why would a tooth need a second root canal?
A canal may have been missed or blocked, the seal may have leaked, or a new problem may have started. We look before we say.
Will I need a new crown?
Often, yes. If we have to remove your crown to reach the canals, your dentist makes the new one.
Is retreatment always possible?
No. Sometimes a crack or the shape of the root makes it unlikely to work, and we will tell you so.
Provided by endodontists
Dr. Emi Yamada and Dr. Angela Britton, endodontists, licensed in Illinois. Their practice is limited to endodontics; your own dentist keeps your routine care.