Why is Root Canal Re-treatment Necessary?
Occasionally a tooth that has previously been treated with root canal therapy may not heal properly, and it can become infected again.
Undetected narrow or curved canals or if the tooth wasn’t adequately cleaned and disinfected can result in re-treatment.
If a crown or filling becomes loose or broken, this exposes the tooth to bacteria which leads to infection. A new fracture may also result in re-treatment because root canal treated teeth are not resistant to new decay which expose the root canal filling to harmful bacteria that results in infection and inflammation.
Root canal therapy in Birmingham, MI can address this problem and help provide you with a lifelong healthy tooth rather than forcing you to have the tooth extracted.
What happens during re-treatment?
A root canal re-treatment procedure is similar to the initial root canal procedure. However, it has a few extra steps and typically requires two or more visits. During the first visit, all root canal filling materials will be removed and replaced with an antibacterial paste called calcium hydroxide to reduce bacteria and help the tooth heal. The tooth is then closed using a temporary filling material.
At the second visit, the calcium hydroxide paste is removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped properly, and a new root canal filling is applied. A temporary filling will close the opening in the tooth. This temporary filling is removed once the tooth is healthy again and a crown is fitted.
If your temporary filling shifts or falls from place before the dentist can place a permanent crown in, your tooth is at a higher risk of infections or fractures.
To prevent these infections and fractures it is important to continue proper dental hygiene.
After Root Canal Re-treatment
After the local anesthetic wears off, you may feel sensitivity and slight discomfort. This sensitivity is due to the cleaning process of the root canal. Any discomfort following a root canal re-treatment should quickly subside and can be treated with OTC pain relievers.
The first day soft foods should be eaten such as mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt, eggs, and ice cream. Avoiding hard or crunchy foods for a couple of days is also a good idea because they can irritate the healing area. You may also experience sensitivity to hot or cold foods immediately following the procedure.
Brushing afterward is fine, as long as you are extra gentle in that area. Avoid flossing the area if the temporary filling is still in the space between your teeth.
