Endodontic retreatment is a procedure where an endodontist accesses a tooth that has had previous root canal therapy. The endodontist will examine the tooth, determine the extent of the damage, clean out any remaining infection, and then fill the tooth. Retreatment is usually recommended when there is evidence of recurrent disease, or when the original root canal was not performed properly. In some cases, retreatment may be recommended to remove a fractured filling or to improve the seal of the root canal filling.

Endodontic retreatment may be a straightforward procedure, taking under an hour to perform, or it may be much more complex, requiring several hours, depending on the factors involved. In most cases, endodontic retreatment takes around an hour, and the recovery time takes around two days.

The number of times a root canal can retreat is different in every situation and is dependent upon a number of factors. Root canal retreatment can be a successful procedure; the success depends on correcting the deficiency with the prior treatments. However, when not managed appropriately during root canal therapy, a tooth can become more structurally compromised. This can affect the repairability of the tooth. If there are structural concerns, it may be worth getting opinions on salvageability from your endodontist, or come to Ideal Endodontics for a professional opinion today.

There are many factors that go into deciding whether it is better to retreat a root canal or opt for tooth extraction, also known as tooth removal. There are pros and cons to both treatments, and comparing them can help you decide which is the right treatment for you.
 
Root canals can be beneficial as they save the tooth from being lost, and prevent further damage to the tooth; this treatment also protects nearby teeth from infection and decay. Another big advantage of root canals is that they prevent you from having a gap between your teeth, and are more economical than having your tooth extracted and replaced with a dental bridge. Root canals typically last for years.
 
However, a root canal may weaken the tooth, as well as the biting force of the tooth, which may require a dental crown to restore tooth integrity. This would require another trip to the dentist, and is considered its own procedure.
 
With tooth extraction, you never have to worry about the tooth becoming reinfected, which is a huge benefit over root canals. It also requires only one appointment, without the need for follow-up treatments, save for cosmetic or restorative ones. There are some drawbacks to tooth extractions, including the additional cosmetic dental treatments needed to replace the missing tooth (with a dental bridge or implant), as this will prevent your teeth from drifting and avoid a change in your bite. It also typically costs more to have a tooth extracted and replaced than it would have a root canal retreatment. When compared to root canals, there is a longer recovery time with tooth extraction procedures, and they are more painful.
 
If you or someone you love is having problems with a previous root canal or other endodontic treatment, the professionals at Ideal Endodontics can help you correct any issues and make sure that the procedure is performed properly. Call us today or book an online appointment with our endodontic retreatment specialist, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 1145 19th Street NW, Suite 314, Washington, DC 20036. We serve patients from Washington DC, Arlington VA, Bethesda MD, Alexandria VA, and Silver Spring MD. We look forward to serving you!