When the first root canal does not work the first time, a procedure known as root canal retreatment is carried out. According to a research that was written up in the Journal of Endodontics, 88.42% of root canal retreatments are successful. How long and difficult the process will be will determine how much a root canal retreatment will cost. Premolars and molars, which have many canals, will cost more to treat, especially if the canals are strangely formed. The information you should know regarding root canal retreatment is included in this article.
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What is a Retreatment of a Root Canal?
In order to do a root canal retreatment, the prior crown and packing material must be taken off, the root canals must be cleaned, and then the tooth must be repacked and crowned.
The tooth must be “reopened” if a tooth is a suitable candidate for root canal retreatment. To reach the root canal, a small hole is made on the tooth’s chewing surface. To reach the root canals, complicated restorative elements including the crown, post, and core are often removed.
The canals will be thoroughly cleansed and inspected before any previous root canal filling materials are removed. The canals are cleaned, shaped, and then sealed before a temporary filling or crown is put in. The endodontist will finish the procedure and treat the infection before placing a new crown or restoration on the tooth to return it to its original shape and function.
Reasons for Root Canal Retreatment
Why is it important to have root canal retreatment? The initial root canal procedure has a probability of failing, just like any other procedure. That may occur for a number of causes, including the ones listed below.
- Delay in crown placement – A temporary crown is meant to be a quick solution. If the final replacement wasn’t placed quickly away, bacteria can enter the exposed tooth.
- Complex root anatomy – Complex root systems in some people make it simpler for bacteria to conceal in hard-to-reach areas. Patients with narrow, curved, or difficult canals are more likely to require root canal retreatment.
- Salivary contamination – Saliva can contaminate a tooth if a restoration doesn’t completely seal it off, enabling saliva to seep in.
- New decay – Under the restoration, decay might manifest, which could lead to the emergence of a fresh infection in the tooth. Abscessed root canal retreatment may be required in such circumstances.
- Damaged restoration – Bacteria can enter the tooth if a crown or filling is damaged.
- Tooth damage – In the event that the tooth breaks, cracks, or sustains other sorts of injury, a new infection could appear.
How Long Does a Root Canal Retreatment Take?
A repeat root canal is referred to as an endodontic retreatment. Root canal retreatment typically takes 90 minutes. The extent of the patient’s dental condition, however, can still affect how long the root canal retreatment takes.
Is Throbbing Pain After Root Canal Retreatment Normal?
Yes, some discomfort following a root canal retreatment is typical and to be expected. In about 3 days, the soreness ought to subside. You may use the painkillers that your dentist has recommended for you until then.
It is not common, nevertheless, to have intense, acute pain for up to two weeks following a root canal retreatment. It indicates that the root canal retreatment has failed and that the tooth may be infected. In that situation, get in touch with your dentist or endodontist right away.
How Long is the Recovery Time for Root Canal Retreatment?
Although the healing period following a root canal retreatment might vary, most people feel better within a few days. However, in rare circumstances, some patients may have difficulties and require a week or two to recuperate. Most patients have totally recovered from their root canal after a few days. Rarely, patients may experience problems that cause a one-week or longer delay in their recovery.
What’s the Success Rate of Root Canal Retreatment?
According to a research that was written up in the Journal of Endodontics, the success rate for root canal retreatment is 88.42%. This root canal surgery can allow your tooth to last many years, or in some cases, even a lifetime.
What to Expect After Root Canal Retreatment
Comparable to the first root canal, patients can anticipate a similar recovery period after a root canal retreatment. The presence of discomfort, swelling, and slight pain close to the tooth is typical. You can use cold compresses and consume over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin to ease discomfort. Eat only soft meals, and until the pain goes away, avoid chewing on the side that is hurting. If you have extreme discomfort up to one to two weeks following the surgery, speak with your dentist or endodontist.
Do I Need a New Crown After Root Canal Retreatment?
No, a root canal retreatment seldom ever involves removing the crown. Your endodontist might be able to do the operation via the crown. If a new crown is necessary or if the present one can be repaired, your dentist will let you know.
Risks of Root Canal Retreatment
When carried out by a trained and experienced professional, root canal therapy has a high success rate. However, as with any medical surgery, people should think about the dangers and probable side effects of a root canal retreatment.
- Tooth Discoloration – Some patients could notice some discoloration in the treated tooth if the tooth pulp is removed. Dental pulp is the live tissue that fills the inside of the tooth. If this does happen, crowns and veneers can be used to visually fix the problem.
- Reinfection – Many patients’ primary concern is root canal retreatment reinfection. After a root canal retreatment, there is a potential of reinfection, but your endodontist will take numerous steps to prevent this. If any stage of the operation is carried out wrong, reinfection may result. The most common danger during a root canal is a failing seal. Once the root canal is finished, your endodontist will need to seal the access hole they used for the procedure. If the seal has cracks in it, germs can get inside the tooth and cause decay.
- Disruption of Surrounding Nerves – The surrounding nerves around the afflicted tooth may get disrupted in a small proportion of individuals during the root canal surgery. The region may become numb as a result. However, it normally goes away after a few weeks.
- Allergy to Anesthesia – Root canal retreatment is also risky if the patient has an anesthetic allergy. If you respond negatively to any anesthesia, let your dentist know in advance.
Root Canal Retreatment Failure Symptoms
- When pressed, a tooth may hurt or feel painful.
- Swelling or pimple-like structures that leak pus in the area.
- Discoloration inside the tooth.
- Temperature sensitivity, such as quick, sharp pain after drinking cold soda or hot coffee.
- Persistent tooth discomfort following the healing phase, particularly if it worsens over time.
How Much Does a Root Canal Retreatment Cost?
Without insurance, root canal retreatment costs can vary from $750 to $2,400. (molars are the most expensive, followed by bicuspids and front teeth). On the other hand, when the deductible has been paid, some dental insurance policies pay 50% to 80% of the cost of the root canal operation. While root canal retreatment costs may be partially or entirely covered by dental insurance, some policies only cover one surgery on a tooth over the course of a specific period of time. Verify your coverage with your dentist and insurance company before retreatment.
Root Canal Retreatment vs Other Dental Procedures
The best procedure to preserve a natural tooth is root canal retreatment. However, there are alternatives to root canal treatment.
Root Canal Retreatment vs Extraction
Your original teeth should be saved, according to dentists. Sometimes, though, it’s impossible to keep your natural teeth. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of the two procedures below to help you decide between extract tooth and root canal retreatment.
Pros and Cons of Root Canal Retreatment vs Tooth Extraction
| Root Canal Retreatment | Tooth Extraction | |
| Cost | Root canal retreatment might cost anywhere from $750 and $2,400. The most costly teeth are the molars, followed by bicuspids and front teeth. | Depending on how severe the issue is, tooth extractions might cost anywhere from $75 and $200. |
| Procedure | Reopening the tooth, removing the old filling, cleaning the canals, inserting a new root filling, and then installing a new restoration are all steps in a root canal retreatment. | Tooth extractions can be simple or surgical. |
| Risks | Root canal retreatment carries hazards such as tooth discolouration, reinfection, and disturbance of nearby nerves (occurs in only a small percentage of cases). | Bleeding, a dry socket, and infection are among the risks of tooth extraction. |
| Recovery period | Two to three days are often needed for healing after a root canal retreatment. | One to two weeks are often needed for healing after a tooth extraction. |
Root Canal Retreatment vs Dental Implants
Your natural tooth may be saved with a root canal retreatment. Compared to dental implant surgery, root canal retreatment is less invasive, more affordable, and faster. If the retreatment is unsuccessful, you might still need to have the affected tooth pulled.
On the other side, Permanent Implants can stop bone loss and restore the beauty of your face. If properly cared for with strong at-home oral hygiene habits and biannual dental exams, a dental implant can last about 20 years.
Pros and Cons of Root Canal Retreatment vs Dental Implants
| Root Canal Retreatment | Dental Implants | |
| Cost | Root canal retreatment might cost anywhere from $750 and $2,400. The most costly teeth are the molars, followed by bicuspids and front teeth. | A single dental implant typically costs between $3,000 and $6,000. |
| Procedure | Reopening the tooth, removing the old filling, cleaning the canals, inserting a new root filling, and then installing a new restoration are all steps in a root canal retreatment. | Artificial teeth and dental crowns are inserted into the mouth using dental implants. Dental implants act as the new tooth’s root by being surgically inserted into the jawbone. |
| Risks | Root canal retreatment carries hazards such as tooth discolouration, reinfection, and disturbance of nearby nerves (occurs in only a small percentage of cases). | Infection, nerve damage, and sinus issues are the risks associated with dental implants. |
| Recovery Period | Two to three days are often needed for healing after a root canal retreatment. | Dental implants normally require a 3 to 6 month healing time. |
How Many Times Can Root Canal Be Retreated?
Two further root canal procedures can be done on a tooth by the dentist. Even though teeth that have had root canal therapy might last a lifetime, some of those teeth may not recover properly due to infection or other issues.
Is It Worth It to Have a Root Canal Redone?
Revision of a root canal is desirable, yes. Compared to other dental treatments, root canal retreatment is more affordable and quicker. Additionally, the patient is offered a second opportunity to keep the tooth.
Are you considering root canal retreatment? Reach out to Dr. Amit Shah at Best Smiles Dental to schedule an appointment.