Root Canal Retreatment in Bakersfield, CA
Retreating a Tooth at Gentle Family Dentistry
If you’ve had a root canal procedure before, you may be wondering why you need to undergo the same process again. Sometimes, a tooth needs to be retreated. If you’re dealing with severe pain after root canal therapy, contact our Bakersfield dentist today by calling 661-664-9900 to schedule an appointment.
What Is Root Canal Retreatment?
Root canal retreatment is a dental procedure performed when a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy requires further treatment. Root canal therapy is a procedure aimed at removing infected or damaged pulp (the innermost part of the tooth), cleaning and shaping the root canals, and then filling them to prevent further infection.
In some cases, despite the initial root canal treatment, the treated tooth may experience complications or a new infection may develop.
Causes of Root Canal Retreatment
There are various reasons why you may require root canal retreatment, including:
- Initial Treatment Complications: A primary cause of root canal retreatment is when issues arise from the initial endodontic treatment This can occur if there are complex anatomies within the tooth that weren’t addressed during the first dental procedure. The dentist may have missed one of the canals within the tooth, or pulp remnants may be left behind, leading to recurring pain or infection.
- Dental fractures or Cracks: Fractures or cracks in the tooth can allow bacteria to enter and infect the tooth again. Delayed placement of dental crowns or other restorations can also leave teeth exposed to bacteria that can weaken them over time, leading to more severe complications down the road.
- New Damage or Infections: Teeth undergo constant wear and tear throughout our lifetime, which means they’re susceptible to new damage or decay even after an initial root canal treatment. New cavities around existing fillings, periodontal disease, infections from gum disease, or external trauma can all lead to a re-infection of the tooth.
Retreatment of a previously treated tooth may also be necessary due to narrow or curved canals, complicated canal anatomy, salivary contamination, or undetected canal anatomy. If you’ve experienced any of the above conditions, contact our dentist in Bakersfield as soon as possible to schedule a retreatment appointment.
Root Canal Retreatment Benefits
Patients may experience various benefits from root canal retreatment, including:
- Pain Relief
- Tooth Preservation
- A normal functioning Natural Tooth
- Cost-effective Solution
- Prevent the Spread of Infection
- Improved Smile Appearance
- Improved Oral Health
- Correction of Prior Treatment Issues
The Endodontic Retreatment Process
You can expect the following during a root canal retreatment procedure:
- Initial Examination: Our Bakersfield dentist will examine the affected tooth and surrounding areas to determine whether retreatment is necessary.
- Dental X-rays: X-rays may be taken to examine the tooth’s roots and understand the extent of any infection.
- Local Anesthetic: To ensure our patients feel comfortable, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area.
- Removal of Root Canal Filling Material: Our dentist will remove the previous filling material placed during the initial root canal treatment.
- Cleaning and Shaping of Canals: Once the filling material has been removed, we’ll clean out any infected tissue in the canals and shape them in preparation for filling.
- Filling of Canals: The cleaned and shaped canals are then filled with a biocompatible material, typically gutta-percha, and sealed with cement.
- Restoration: Depending on the extent of decay or damage before and after the retreatment procedure, our dentist may place a crown or other restoration on top of your tooth to protect it from further damage.
Post-Procedure Care and Measures
After undergoing root canal retreatment, make sure to take care of your treated tooth for a successful recovery. You may experience some discomfort and sensitivity in the treated area for a few days following the dental procedure, but this should subside gradually.
To promote healing, avoid chewing with the treated tooth until it has been fully restored with a permanent filling or dental crown. Maintain excellent oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly. If you experience any pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but be sure to consult with your dentist before taking any medication.
Attend all follow-up appointments with your endodontist or general dentist to monitor your progress. They may recommend additional procedures, such as a dental crown or other restorations, to protect the treated tooth from further damage and ensure its longevity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, one alternative option is endodontic surgery, which involves removing the tip of the root or any infected tissue around it. However, this procedure isn’t always successful and may require multiple attempts. Another alternative is tooth extraction, which eliminates the need for a root canal. However, this option isn’t ideal as it can lead to further dental problems such as shifting teeth and bone loss.
No, a root canal retreatment is virtually painless. Your dentist will use a local anesthetic or form of dental sedation to ensure you remain comfortable during the root canal procedure.
It’s always best to save the natural tooth, so retreating a root canal is worth it. Retreated teeth can function well for the rest of your life when taken care of properly.
On average, a root canal retreatment can cost anywhere between $700 and $2,400 without insurance. Your treatment costs will vary depending on your insurance coverage, which tooth is affected, and how severe your infection is.
Reach Out to Our Bakersfield Dental Office Today!
If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain after a root canal, don’t hesitate to call our dental office. Our dentist is here to ensure that your oral health is in pristine condition and can ease your pain. Contact Gentle Family Dentistry in Bakersfield, CA, today by calling us at 661-664-9900.