Endodontic Retreatment – Houston, TX
Easing Discomfort & Improving Oral Health
Under healthy circumstances, the nerve of a tooth is well protected by the exterior layers of enamel and dentin. However, in the case of severe tooth decay or injury, bacteria can migrate inside the tooth and cause painful infection. A root canal removes the infection and seals the tooth to prevent recontamination.
However, there are times when a tooth treated with a root canal does not heal properly. Disease and pain can ensue weeks, months or even years later. If you are having any sort of pain or discomfort in a tooth that has had root canal therapy, speak to one of the dentists at Sunrise Dental Center.
Endodontic retreatment from our Houston, TX dentist may be necessary to ensure proper healing and save the tooth.
Why Choose Sunrise Dental Center for Endodontic Retreatment?
- High-Quality Dental Materials Used
- We Accept Dental Insurance
- Highly Skilled Team of Dentists
The Reasons for Endodontic Retreatment
Most teeth that have root canals heal perfectly fine. However, there are circumstances that are obstacles to proper healing after treatment. For example, root canals are often extremely narrow, and some may not have been thoroughly disinfected during the initial endodontic treatment. Perhaps too much time lapsed between the root canal procedure and placement of your dental crown or other restoration. If a crown loosens or if there is new decay, then the tooth is susceptible to new infection. Also, a tooth can sustain an injury, such as a fracture, that gives bacteria entry.
The Endodontic Retreatment Process
Endodontic retreatment is similar to the initial procedure. After the tooth and surrounding tissue have been anesthetized, the tooth will be opened in order to access the filling material. Usually, this will need to be removed in order to reach the root canals.
Once the canal filling is removed, the canals are cleaned again and examined under magnification to find any additional canals that may have been missed. After examining and disinfecting the canals, they are filled and resealed and a temporary filling is placed.
In some cases, such as when the root canals are blocked or very narrow, endodontic surgery may be recommended. This surgery necessitates making an incision in your gum in order to access the tip of the root so that it can be sealed as well.
Once endodontic retreatment is complete, your Houston dentist will need to place a new crown or another type of restoration on the tooth to protect it and restore the tooth’s natural form and function.
Without endodontic retreatment, an infected tooth will likely need to be extracted. An extracted tooth then requires replacement with a dental implant, crown and bridge or partial denture. In almost all cases, saving your natural tooth with endodontic retreatment is preferable.
If you are experiencing pain in a tooth that has had a root canal, then contact your dentist at Sunrise Dental Center to learn more about endodontic retreatment.
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