If you have deep decay or infection in a tooth nerve, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy. While the procedure is entirely safe and has a high success rate, there are cases where a patient may need root canal retreatment. If your dentist in Honolulu, HI, has recommended going for retreatment, it is okay to have concerns related to the procedure. Here’s what you must know about the procedure.

What is root canal retreatment?

There are several reasons why a patient may need root canal retreatment. It could be related to post-surgical complications or adequate healing. The procedure involves removing the existing crown and sealing material from the tooth and cleaning the root canals. The tooth must be filled again, following which a crown is placed. While root canal retreatment is almost the same as standard root canal therapy in terms of steps, there are inherent risks too. Even with a success rate of 75%, root canal retreatment is still a better choice than extraction.

Reasons to get root canal retreatment

Your dentist may recommend root canal retreatment for various situations. For instance, if you have a cracked crown and the filling material is leaking, the treatment must be repeated. In some cases, patients refuse to get a crown after the initial RCT, which may cause further damage to the tooth. It is also not rare to come across cases of new decay to the tooth. Fractures are also a reason to consider root canal retreatment.

What is the procedure like?

During your first appointment, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the tooth. They need to access the inside of the affected tooth, which means that the crown must be removed. The dentist will remove the filling material using an ultrasonic handpiece. They will use dental files to clean the root canals and order new X-rays to check if they are entirely clean. Once the steps are done, your dentist will again use packing material and seal the tooth. The whole treatment can be done in two or more appointments, and you will eventually need to get a crown, which requires two sessions.

Final word

While root canal retreatment is a simple procedure, your dentist will discuss the concerns. The tooth must be in good condition, have adequate gum support, and have a solid structure to go through RCT again. If you have any other questions, always ask in advance.