What is an endodontic retreatment?
Though every dentist or endodontist does their best when helping with your oral health, some issues may occur long after their procedures are completed. In some cases, endodontic retreatment may be necessary to restore and maintain your dental health. In this blog post, we will discuss what endodontic retreatment is, why you might need it, what the procedure is like, and how WFW Endodontics can help.
What is an endodontic retreatment?
Endodontic retreatment is a procedure that is performed on a tooth that has had previous root canal therapy, but the treatment has failed. This can occur if the original root canal therapy was incomplete, there was a new infection or the tooth was fractured.
During the retreatment procedure, the endodontist will remove the previous root canal filling material, clean and reshape the root canals and then refill the tooth with new filling material. The goal is to remove all bacteria and contaminated material so the tooth can heal and restore your dental health.
Why might I need an endodontic retreatment?
There are several signs that may indicate the need for endodontic retreatment. These include persistent pain, swelling and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. You might also notice that the tooth has become discolored or tender to the touch. Additionally, if your x-rays during a dentist visit show the presence of an infection that was not present before, you may need an endodontic retreatment.
It's important not to ignore these symptoms since they could indicate the need for retreatment. When left untreated, the tooth can become more damaged, leading to further issues that may require more extensive dental work.
What is the procedure like?
Endodontic retreatment is performed under local anesthesia, so you won't feel any pain during the procedure. Your endodontist will re-open the tooth and access the root canal system by carefully removing any filling material. They will then use specialized tools to clean and shape the canals before placing new filling material.
The procedure generally takes around 1-2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of roots in your tooth. Following the retreatment procedure, your endodontist will send you home with instructions on how to care for your newly treated tooth properly.
How can WFW Endodontics help?
At WFW Endodontics, we have a team of highly skilled, board-certified endodontists who are experts at performing endodontic retreatment procedures. Dr. Fitzhugh and Dr. Nieves want to ensure that you receive the best possible care and experience a comfortable and positive treatment outcome.
We use the latest techniques and technology to diagnose and provide customized treatment plans for each patient, ensuring the best possible outcome. Our team is committed to providing exceptional patient care and making sure that each stage of the treatment process is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Endodontic retreatment may seem daunting or overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. With the right team of experienced endodontists at WFW Endodontics, you can be confident that you'll receive the care necessary to restore your dental health. If you're experiencing any symptoms that may indicate the need for retreatment or have questions about the procedure, please don't hesitate to reach out to us to schedule a consultation. We would be more than happy to address any concerns you may have!