Endodontic Retreatment in Orlando, FL

There are a few factors that can cause further issues after a root canal treatment. In some cases, the entire infection was not removed during treatment and in other instances, a new infection could have formed in the tooth. When a tooth reveals signs of an infection after one or more root canals, general dentist Dr. Patricia Roach will generally suggest an endodontic retreatment. Similar to the initial root canal treatment, an endodontic retreatment is performed to clean the canals of the tooth and eliminate the current infection. Schedule an exam at Orlando Advanced Dentists in Orlando, FL to determine if you need an endodontic retreatment or another procedure if you still have pain or signs of an infection after a root canal.

The best candidates for an endodontic retreatment are patients who have received a root canal treatment but are still experiencing symptoms of an infection in the tooth. The most frequent symptoms are pain upon biting, swelling, or temperature sensitivity involving the tooth that received the root canal treatment. If retreatment is not possible, an apicoectomy (root removal) or tooth extraction may be recommended. During your exam and consultation at our office in Orlando, FL, Dr. Roach will talk with you about the best course of action to address the infection and preserve your tooth if possible.

An endodontic retreatment will be performed in our office with a local anesthetic to numb the treated area. If the procedure is more involved, or if you have dental anxiety, other sedation methods could be used. Once your mouth is prepped, Dr. Roach will reopen the tooth and remove the filling material placed during the former root canal. The interior of the tooth, including the canals of the tooth roots, will then be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized. After the tooth has been cleaned and examined, it will be strengthened with new material and sealed. A new dental crown is generally placed over a root canal-retreated tooth for protection and strength.

After your endodontic retreatment, you should take 1 – 2 days to rest and heal. Dr. Roach will give you specific instructions to help you recover after the procedure, which will include the ideal way to clean your mouth. You might be prescribed antibiotics or pain relievers that should be taken as directed. Once your tooth has healed, you should maintain a great home oral care routine with daily brushing and flossing. Moreover, it is important to schedule annual exams and biannual dental cleanings at Orlando Advanced Dentists so that Dr. Roach can monitor the tooth and your overall oral health.

An endodontic retreatment at Orlando Advanced Dentists can be a successful method to save your tooth and fight infections after an initial root canal procedure. If you show symptoms of a second infection in a root canal-treated tooth, contact our office in Orlando, FL to learn more or to schedule your consultation with skilled general dentist Dr. Roach.