Root canal retreatment
root canal retreatment · redo root canal · repeat root canal · re-treating a tooth
The dentist opens a tooth that was treated before, removes the old filling from the canals, cleans them and fills them again.
When a tooth hurts after earlier treatment, there is inflammation at the root on the X-ray, or a crown is needed on a tooth with poorly filled canals.
⏱ Duration: usually 1 to 2 hours, often in 2 to 3 visits
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- X-rays. A fresh X-ray or 3D scan of the tooth is usually needed.
- Food. Eat 1 to 2 hours before the visit.
What to bring
- Your ID
- Old X-rays of the tooth, if you have them
- A list of your medicines
How it goes
- Numbing is given
- The tooth is kept dry with a rubber sheet
- The old filling or crown is removed
- The old material is taken out of the canals
- The canals are cleaned and rinsed
- Sometimes medicine is placed until the next visit
- The canals are filled and the tooth is closed with a temporary or permanent filling
What you'll feel
- With numbing, pressure and vibration
- Keeping your mouth open for long is tiring
- Afterward the tooth may ache for a few days
Afterwards
- Do not chew on this side while the temporary filling is in
- Take pain relief as the doctor recommends
- Come to all the visits you were given
- After treatment the tooth is usually covered with a crown or inlay. The doctor will tell you
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Swelling of the cheek or gum
- Severe pain that keeps getting worse
- Fever above 38 with a swollen face
Common questions
Why does the tooth need treatment again?
Sometimes infection stays in the canals or the filling is not tight. Then inflammation develops at the root.
Can I leave it if it doesn't hurt?
Inflammation can go on without pain. Make the decision together with the doctor.