You may know that endodontists regularly perform root canal therapy and occasionally surgery, but there is another type of treatment that some people need to know about.
Endodontic retreatment is another service we offer at Southwest Endodontics at our Geneva and Orland Park locations. If you develop a problem in a previously root canal-treated tooth, let us know. We can help you save your existing tooth and avoid needing implants.
When you have an infection or inflammation in the nerve of your tooth, you’ll likely have a root canal. This procedure takes out the pulp, which includes the nerves inside the tooth. The doctor seals the tooth and fills it to prevent infection after the procedure. For the majority of people who receive root canals, the process results in successful lifelong correction of the problem.
However, there are some cases where a root canal may fail or otherwise need further treatment, sometimes months or even years after the original root canal was performed.
The rare instance of complications from a root canal may happen if the tooth has unusual anatomy that the endodontist could not fully reach with their equipment. Another possible, though very rare complication after a root canal is missing bacteria or infected material inside the tooth.
More often, retreatment happens when the tooth has damage occur in the future. This may happen if a crown-covered tooth has the crown break or fall off or if decay re-exposed the root canals to bacteria.
Regardless of the cause, the endodontist will likely perform endodontic retreatment to fix the tooth and stop the infection from causing bone destruction that could require extraction.
Like root canals, endodontic retreatments are common, non-surgical procedures. However, due to the nature of removing dental repair materials such as fillings and crowns before beginning, retreatments come with greater complexity. So, even if you had a dentist perform a root canal, you may need to see an endodontist for retreatment. Endodontic practices have special tools for seeing inside the tooth, such as surgical microscopes and cone beam CT scanners, to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.
Endodontic retreatment may resemble the process of a root canal, but it includes additional steps the doctor takes to reach the tooth. First, the endodontist will take images of your tooth either with a three-dimensional CT scanner or digital x-rays. The imaging helps the endodontist to see your tooth’s problem before removing any dental work on it.
Next, the endodontist will need to reach the interior of the tooth. To do this, they will carefully remove a portion of your crown and filling. Cleaning out the canals again removes any bacteria that may have remained after your first root canal or entered later.
At Southwest Endodontics, we use Gentlewave technology to help clean out the canals of teeth during root canals and retreatment. The advantage of this tool is the ability to reach deeper into the tooth than standard tools can and to reduce the chances of leaving untreated areas.
Once the doctor feels certain that they’ve fully cleaned the canals, they reseal and fill the tooth. If you had a crown on the tooth after your first root canal, you may need to go back to your dentist to get the crown repaired or replaced.
If you have ever had endodontic treatment on any of your teeth, you need to continue to keep up with good cleaning of the treated teeth and those around them. Plus, knowing common signs that you may have a problem with the tooth will help you to make an appointment with an endodontist as soon as possible. The faster you can get endodontic retreatment after symptoms appear, the less pain you will experience, and the more likely you can keep the tooth.
Common signs in a previously treated tooth of needing endodontic retreatment include
If you or your dentist notice any of the above signs, you should schedule a visit with us at Southwest Endodontics for assessment and treatment.
After you’ve had endodontic retreatment, taking care of yourself is key to a smooth recovery. Here are a few friendly reminders to keep in mind:
PAIN MANAGEMENT – it’s completely normal to feel some discomfort after the procedure. Don’t worry! Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen usually do the trick. Your endodontist will give you specific instructions, so make sure to follow their advice.
DIETARY CONSIDERATIONS – for the first few days after your treatment, it’s best to stick to soft foods that won’t bother your tooth or gums. Think about delicious options like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. It’s a good idea to steer clear of hard, crunchy, or sticky foods, as they can cause discomfort or even harm your treated tooth.
ORAL HYGIENE IS KEY – Keeping your mouth clean is important during your recovery. Be gentle when brushing your teeth, and try to avoid the treated area for the first couple of days since it might be sensitive. A warm salt water rinse can be soothing and will help keep things clean while reducing any inflammation.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to feeling better in no time!
Common Misconceptions About Endodontic Retreatment
When it comes to endodontic retreatment, several misconceptions can make patients hesitant or anxious about the process. Let’s clear up a few of these myths:
Myth #1 – Retreatments are Always Painful
Many people worry that retreatment will be more painful than the original root canal. The truth is that endodontists use effective anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients report feeling minimal discomfort during and after the treatment, especially with modern techniques, which aim to minimize trauma to the tooth.
Myth #2 – Retreatments Are Ineffective
Some may think that if a previous root canal fails, retreatment won’t work either. However, endodontists have specialized training and advanced tools to successfully address issues that may have caused the initial treatment to fail. In many cases, retreatment can save a tooth that might otherwise require extraction.
Myth #3 – You’ll Need More Treatments Later
Patients often fear that retreatment means they’ll be stuck in a cycle of ongoing dental work. While some individuals might experience complications that necessitate further care, most patients can expect a successful outcome after a retreatment. Following proper aftercare and regular check-ups can significantly reduce the chances of needing additional procedures.
You have several options for dental professionals around Orland Park and Geneva IL. So, why choose us at Southwest Endodontics for your retreatment?
First, we have two convenient locations to ensure that you have outstanding endodontic care in your neighborhood. Whether you are in Geneva, Orland Park, or anywhere in between, we’re close to you.
Second, we use the most up-to-date technology for endodontic care. For instance, in endodontic retreatment, we have CT scanners to give our doctors a three-dimensional look inside your tooth. We also have Gentlewave technology, which cleans out your canals, even the tiniest, hardest-to-find areas painlessly and effectively.
We have a team of experts in endodontics who can help you to save a tooth. In fact, if you don’t get retreatment soon, infection inside the tooth could lead to the bone wearing away. Waiting too long for care could mean that your only remaining option is extraction. If you want to keep your teeth, schedule endodontic care when you need it. It can be the only way to save a tooth with deep decay or internal infection.
Gentlewave Technology in Endodontic Retreatment
Let’s talk about Gentlewave technology and how it’s changing the game for endodontic retreatment in more detail. This system is designed to help clean out root canals more effectively than traditional methods, which is a big deal when it comes to saving your teeth.
Gentlewave uses a unique approach with fluid dynamics and sonic energy to reach those hard-to-clean areas in your tooth. Do you know how root canals can have tiny nooks and crannies? Sometimes traditional tools miss those spots, leaving behind debris and bacteria. With Gentlewave, the fluid moves in a way that helps dislodge any leftover infected tissue or bacteria. This thorough cleaning increases the chances of a successful retreatment.
Comfort is another key advantage of Gentlewave technology. Because it uses sound waves and fluid, the process is often less invasive than traditional methods, meaning you’re likely to feel less discomfort during and after your appointment.
Also, for those with busy schedules, you’ll appreciate this: Gentlewave can help reduce appointment times. Since the technology cleans and disinfects the canals more efficiently, we can often complete the procedure more quickly.
You don’t have to lose a previously treated tooth due to reinfection or damage. Our endodontists will determine if endodontic retreatment is the best solution to treat your tooth to save it. With endodontic care, you avoid needing to have teeth pulled, helping you to keep a healthy, great-looking smile for life. Reach out to us at Southwest Endodontics to schedule a visit for an exam at our Geneva or Orland Park location.