Root Canal Retreatment in North San Antonio: Check the procedure here!

Deep decay can cause an infection inside the chamber of a tooth, and when that happens, a standard filling or other restorations cannot undo or fix the damage. Your dentist will typically recommend root canal therapy, which is an endodontic procedure. RCT involves cleaning the chamber, removing the pulp and decay, and reshaping the root canals. While root canal therapy offers excellent results for most patients, reinfection may occur in some cases. That’s when a patient needs root canal retreatment. If your North San Antonio, TX dentist has recommended this, here’s what you need to know.

Why is root canal retreatment required?

Root canal therapy is a simple procedure, but if the treated tooth doesn’t heal or there are post-surgery complications, the patient may experience symptoms like pain and discomfort. Retreating a tooth may be necessary if the filling material cracks or curved or hard-to-reach canals weren’t treated during the first procedure. Generally, patients are advised to get a crown after RCT, and if this step is delayed, infection may resurface. Although not common, new decay in the same tooth is possible, requiring root canal retreatment.

What happens during the procedure?

Overall, root canal retreatment is similar to root canal therapy. Your dentist will start by administering local anesthesia. If you suffer from dental anxiety, this is a good time to let the dentist know, and they will help you choose between sedation options. The next step is to isolate the tooth with a rubber ram to avoid saliva. If you already have a crown after RCT, your dentist will remove that. They will also get rid of the filling materials to access the inner chamber of the tooth, for which an ultrasonic device is used. The dentist will then rework by cleaning the tooth from the inside and reshaping the root canals. X-rays may be necessary to ensure the tooth is entirely clean.

The next step is to pack the tooth with filling materials again. If the dentist finds it hard to clean the canals, they may place temporary medicated packing. The final part involves packing the tooth with gutta-percha and getting a crown.

How many appointments does one need?

The answer depends on the complications involved. Generally, root canal retreatment takes longer than standard root canal therapy, and your dentist will divide the work into two to three appointments to avoid unwanted discomfort and accelerate healing. You will need two additional visits to get the crown.

Is it necessary to get a crown after root canal retreatment?

Yes, you need a crown after root canal retreatment. Root canal therapy and retreatment leave the tooth weak, vulnerable, and prone to breakage. If you don’t get a crown, there could be a new infection. The crown works like a cap and covers the entire tooth, which helps restore your bite and chewing function. Crowns made of ceramic, porcelain, and porcelain-fused-to-metal are popular among patients, as the restorations resemble natural teeth.

Does root canal retreatment cause pain?

As we mentioned earlier, the procedure is slightly more complex than RCT, and while that may mean more appointments, you will not experience any pain. Local anesthesia and sedation will ensure that. You may have some discomfort after each appointment, but your dentist will recommend painkillers for relief.

Final word

Contrary to popular belief, extracting an infected tooth isn’t better than root canal therapy. Even if there is new decay or infection, your dentist in North San Antonio will prefer root canal retreatment rather than pulling the tooth. Before you go for the treatment, ask relevant questions about the steps and ensure you understand the risks and advantages.