Root Canal Retreatment

What Is Root Canal Retreatment?

Root canal retreatment addresses a tooth that was treated previously but has become reinfected or failed to heal. This can happen if the original treatment missed a canal, the crown or restoration allowed bacteria back in, a new cavity formed, or the original infection was particularly complex. Retreatment involves reopening the tooth, removing the old filling material, retreating the canals, and resealing.

How It Works

The endodontist removes the crown (if applicable) or makes an access through it, dissolves or mechanically removes the gutta-percha from the canals using specialized instruments and solvents, retreats the canals with advanced cleaning techniques, and places new filling material. A new crown is typically needed afterward.

Key Benefits

• Gives a previously treated tooth another chance
• Avoids extraction and the need for an implant
• Modern techniques make retreatment more predictable than ever
• CBCT (cone beam CT) imaging identifies missed canals precisely

Frequently Asked Questions