A second chance to save a tooth when previous root canal treatment has not healed, at Highfield Dental Clinic, Edgbaston.
Retreatment is more demanding than first-time root canal treatment. Our team has the equipment and expertise to investigate carefully and treat what was previously missed.
Re-root canal treatment, or endodontic retreatment, is carried out when a tooth that has already had root canal treatment develops symptoms or shows signs of ongoing infection. The previous root filling is removed, the canals are re-cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is filled and sealed again.
Retreatment may be needed because a canal was narrow, curved or not found first time, because the seal has leaked over the years, because new decay has reached the root filling, or because the tooth has fractured.
Ongoing discomfort from a previously root-treated tooth in Birmingham? Our experienced team will investigate the cause and explain your options.
Retreatment usually takes longer than first-time treatment and may need more than one visit. It typically involves:
Where a crown has to be removed to gain access, a new crown may be needed afterwards, and your dentist will include this in your plan and costs.
Retreatment can be very successful, but success rates are generally lower than for first-time treatment, and the outcome depends on what caused the original treatment to fail. Your dentist will be honest with you about the likely result for your particular tooth.
If retreatment is not possible or has already been attempted, alternatives include root canal surgery such as an apicectomy, or extraction followed by replacement with an implant, bridge or denture. We will explain the benefits, risks and costs of each so you can make an informed decision.
Common reasons include a canal that was not found or fully cleaned, a leaking seal, new decay reaching the root filling, or a crack in the tooth. A CBCT scan often helps identify the cause.
In many cases, yes, as keeping your natural tooth is usually preferable to losing it. Your dentist will assess the tooth and give you an honest view of the likely outcome before you decide.
The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic, so the procedure is comfortable. Some tenderness afterwards is normal for a few days.
Sometimes the crown must be removed or drilled through to reach the canals. Where it cannot be reused, a new crown will be needed, and this will be included in your written plan.
Options may include root canal surgery, such as an apicectomy, or extraction with replacement by an implant, bridge or denture. We will discuss all of these with you.
Appointments are usually longer than for first-time treatment, and more than one visit is often needed. Your dentist will confirm the plan after assessing the tooth.
