If you have had a root canal done at another practice years or even months ago and pain resumes, this could mean there was contamination or a failed root canal. To stop pain and avoid the chance of tooth loss occurring, you need treatment again. In today’s blog, your Londonderry, NH, dentist looks at endodontic retreatment.
Failed Root Canals and Discomfort
When you have an infected tooth, this could be a source of discomfort and could lead to tooth loss. Which is why we recommend a root canal. The procedure involves opening the tooth to remove the tissues from within, replacing them with a special restorative filling. We then cap the tooth with a dental crown. But! We have seen patients who have undergone a root canal before, and due to contamination or other factors, the tooth has become reinfected. Retreatment is then crucial to stop discomfort and protect the tooth from being lost or requiring extraction.
The Retreatment Process
Our team will examine the tooth with advanced digital imaging, which allows our team to assess the position and severity of the infection. We plan the treatment in detail, and will numb the tooth to keep you comfortable during treatment. If you have dental anxiety or special needs, our team could offer sedation to help you enter a deep state of calm and relaxation, with little to no memory of the procedure. For some, the infection could occur at the tip of the roots. In this situation, we could conduct a root canal surgery known as apicoectomy, in which we open the gums to access the root tips and remove the infected tissues before capping the root. Regardless of which option we go with, treatment can stop pain and offer relief while protecting your smile stability!
Safeguarding Your Smile
Following your treatment, or right now, you can make changes to your oral health routine to help lower the risk of future decay or infection. Be sure you see our team for a checkup and cleaning visit every six months. Be sure you brush and floss daily, and cut back on the sugar and starch in your diet. These actions protect your smile from cavities, infections, gingivitis, and even gum disease. If you have any questions about endodontic retreatment, or about root canal therapy, then contact our team today to learn more. We want to help you enjoy optimal oral health and a full smile!
Do You Have the Symptoms of a Dental Infection?
We want to offer treatment to address pain in your tooth, so you avoid major complications or the risk of tooth loss. Contact My Dentist in Londonderry, NH at (603) 965-3407 to speak with our team and schedule your next visit.
