Endodontic Retreatment

Occasionally, a tooth that has received a root canal fails to heal, continues to cause pain or swelling, or the infection can be seen on x-rays.

Improper healing can be caused by many different factors. For example, retreatment of some teeth is due to missed canals that occurred during the initial treatment. An endodontic microscope allows for better visibility reducing the possibility of missed canals and determining if patients has fractured or cracked their tooth. Sometimes teeth need to be retreated if they are not properly restored with a crown or filling, in a timely manner, from your dentist. Another common reason teeth need to be retreated is lack of properly disinfecting the tooth. Wichita Falls Endodontics uses the most advanced irrigation solutions for proper cleanliness.

How is a retreatment root canal performed?

	If Dr. Baker decides that retreating the tooth is the best option, he will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material.  Sometimes post and filling material are present and need to be removed to properly remove the infection.
	After removing the canal filling material, Dr. Baker will disinfect each of the canals under microscope magnification.  Microscopes are important to locate any additional canals, fractures or unusual untreated tooth anatomy.
	Once the tooth has been disinfected then a filling material with sealer is placed into the canal.  At this point, you will need to return to your dentist for the permanent filling or crown.  To improve the percentage of success, we recommend the permanent restoration be placed within 3 weeks.

Wichita Falls Endodontics sets a standard of excellence!
If Dr. Baker detects inflammation present in the tooth, a soothing medication will be placed into the tooth and the patient will be brought back at a later appointment to finish the treatment. Wichita Falls Endodontics does not believe in charging the patient for any additional appointments - regardless of the level of difficulty. Wichita Falls Endodontics also offers a complimentary one-year follow up appointment to make sure the tooth is healing properly.

An endodontic specialist, with advanced instruments, digital radiographic tools, and sophisticated microscopes is best equipped to evaluate your individual circumstances and possible retreatment options.