If you have an infected tooth and receive treatment with a root canal, then you should enjoy relief from discomfort. But if the tooth begins to ache or feel sensitive again in the weeks or months to come, then you may need to see us. In today’s blog, your Londonderry, NH, dentist talks about root canal retreatment and how we can help protect your smile from tooth loss.
When a Root Canal Fails
The root canal procedure takes on advanced tooth decay or infection. The tooth is opened so that the inner tissues can be removed. The interior of the tooth is then cleaned and a new filling material is added. Finally, the tooth is capped with a dental crown. But! If contamination occurs when the interior is filled and sealed, or if the crown is placed improperly, then reinfection could occur. Your tooth begins to hurt again, and you could require root canal retreatment to protect your smile from serious discomfort and the risk of tooth loss.
Planning Treatment
Our team will start by carefully examining your tooth with digital x-rays, so we can view the interior with detail and assess the position and severity of the infection. If the new infection is on the inside of the tooth, then we can essentially redo your endodontic treatment. If we find the infection is located near the tips of your tooth root, then we could offer a root-end resection, or root canal surgery. With this procedure, also known as an apicoectomy, we will open the gums near the root so we can address it directly, removing the infected tissues and exposing it. This provides a more effective approach.
Taking a Preventive Approach
You can take steps to help lower the risk of tooth decay and infection, limiting your need for endodontic procedures like a root canal or apicoectomy. You should begin and end each day by brushing your teeth for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, and also floss every evening before going to bed. You also benefit from a diet low in sugar and starch, and by avoiding tobacco products. You should also see our team for a checkup and cleaning every six months too!
If you have any questions about how to prevent infection, or if you have an aching tooth that needs an endodontic treatment or retreatment, then contact our team today to get started. We want to help you maintain a full and beautiful smile for years to come!
Do You Need a Tooth Reexamined and Treated?
Our team wants to help you stop discomfort and keep your smile whole with our retreatment procedure. Contact My Dentist in Londonderry, NH at (603) 965-3407 to speak with our team and schedule your next visit.
