Retreatment refers to the reopening and repetition of root canal therapy for teeth that have previously undergone the procedure but have developed symptoms again due to certain reasons. In some cases, root canal treatment may not be successful.
When is Retreatment Performed?
Retreatment is necessary in the following situations: Incomplete cleaning of the nerve canals up to the root tip, Leakage caused by insufficient compaction of the root filling, Presence of persistent microorganisms in the canal, even if the cleaning and filling have been properly performed to the root tip. These issues can lead to the failure of the initial root canal treatment, requiring retreatment to resolve the problem.
First, a clinical examination is conducted to assess the condition of the tooth. If it is determined that the initial treatment has failed, local anesthesia is applied to the affected area. The tooth’s canal is then accessed, and the existing root filling is removed. Removing the root filling is more complex compared to performing an initial root canal treatment and requires the use of specialized treatment kits.
Radiographs are taken to verify whether all the root filling material has been successfully removed. After the canal is cleared, the dentist may place special medications inside the canals depending on the presence of infection and then conclude the session. Based on the tooth’s healing progress in the subsequent session, the dentist may either complete the treatment or repeat the medication application. In the final session, the nerve canals are filled with biocompatible materials, and restoration options such as fillings, inlays-onlays, or crowns are considered based on the extent of damage to the upper part of the tooth.
Root canal treatment is the final option for saving a tooth. If the initial treatment fails, the chances of saving the tooth decrease significantly. For this reason, it is crucial for individuals requiring retreatment to choose experienced dentists who work with advanced technological systems. This process demands precision and support from a robust technological infrastructure, and with each repetition, the success rate tends to decline.
