Root Canal Retreatment

Root canal retreatment is another advanced endodontic service offered at Southcoast Endodontics. Retreatment is necessary when bacteria have re-entered the tooth due to decay or untreated canal areas. The patient may experience swelling or pain when chewing. Sometimes, the patient has no symptoms, but an X-ray reveals a problem with a tooth that has previously undergone root canal therapy.

Once the tooth is numbed with anesthetic, the canal system is reopened to remove the previous root canal material. This may involve removing a crown, post and core material. Sometimes we can make a small hole in the existing crown and work through that opening. The canals are thoroughly cleansed and shaped along their entire length.

We fill the canals with gutta-percha, then reseal the opening with a sterile cotton pellet and a temporary filling. Within a couple of weeks, the tooth is restored. If your existing crown can be saved, it will be repaired. If not, you will probably need a new crown. Over time, the bone will heal where the bacteria was removed. 

New Bedford, MA 508-997-1766 l  Swansea, MA 508-678-3288 l  Raynham, MA 508-880-9666