Root canals are generally very successful procedures and can allow you to live without pain in that tooth for the rest of your life. However, there are cases when root canals fail and you may need endodontic retreatment. People can end up needing endodontic retreatment months or years after their initial root canal. There are many different reasons why root canals can fail and your teeth can experience repeated issues. Fortunately, endodontic retreatment gives your tooth another chance so you don’t need to worry about extraction and implants just yet.

Here is what you need to know about endodontic retreatment, when you would need it, and the reasons why this procedure can be necessary.

What Is Endodontic Retreatment?

Although root canals are incredibly successful procedures, it is possible for them to heal improperly or to develop further issues again, the same as with any other dental or medical procedure. Fortunately, teeth can be re-treated.

Endodontic retreatment is the procedure used to try to save a tooth that develops further issues after having undergone a root canal.

Why Would You Need Another Endodontic Procedure?

Endodontists always do everything in their power to try to save your natural tooth. If your tooth does not heal properly or develops further issues after a root canal, retreatment is an option that can save your natural tooth.

There are many potential reasons for why someone would end up needing endodontic retreatment. While sometimes root canals can fail because of a mistake on the part of your endodontist, in other cases, new problems can develop even if your tooth was successfully treated.

Some of the reasons why you may need retreatment include:

• Curved or narrow canals weren’t treated in the initial root canal.
• The crown placement was delayed after the treatment.
• There may have been canals that were undetected.
• The restoration didn’t prevent salivary contamination inside your tooth.
• Your tooth was fractured.
• New decay developed that caused a new infection in your tooth.
• Your crown became loose, cracked, or broke and exposed your tooth to new infection.

Are There Alternatives To Retreatment?

When you got your root canal, your endodontist likely explained your options to you. If you need endodontic retreatment, it’s much the same. You have a few options: endodontic retreatment, endodontic surgery, or extraction. Your endodontist will always do everything in their power to save your natural tooth. Implants and the like have come a long way with the advancements of modern medicine, but nothing can compare to your natural tooth.

Endodontic retreatment is generally successful in saving your teeth. However, if it is not possible, then your endodontist may suggest an apicoectomy or, in the worst case scenario, extraction.

Apicoectomy (endodontic surgery) is a last ditch effort to try to save your natural tooth. Usually, endodontists will do apicoectomies after you’ve undergone a root canal and then endodontic retreatment. This is because endodontic surgeries are quite complex with extensive recovery times. 

Extraction is generally only recommended if nothing else can be done to save your natural tooth. If you have had a root canal, undergone endodontic retreatment, and had an apicoectomy, and you are still having problems, there may be nothing else that can be done to save your natural tooth. You can then use implants or another replacement.

Will Endodontic Retreatment Last?

As with any other dental or medical procedure, there are no guarantees with anything. In general, endodontic retreatment is very successful and can last you the rest of your life. However, there is always the possibility that complications occur or further problems develop, which could result in you needing another endodontic procedure. 

How To Preserve Your Natural Teeth

Prevention is everything when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Many people don’t realize just how much taking care of their oral hygiene can do for their oral health. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and going to your regular dental cleanings are all essential steps to taking care of your natural teeth and preventing dental issues.

Sometimes dental problems can develop even if you take stellar care of your teeth. Dentists and endodontists both can get cavities and need root canals or endodontic retreatment or surgery too, after all. If a problem develops, it’s crucial that you have it treated sooner rather than later in order to prevent it from escalating and potentially spreading to your other teeth.

David G. Johnson, D.D.S., provides endodontic retreatment as well as other endodontic services designed to help you preserve your natural teeth. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

When your dentist mentions you have tooth resorption, many people have no idea what that means, since it’s not a condition that’s commonly talked about outside of the dental world. While a naturally occurring process for baby teeth, tooth resorption in adults is cause for concern.

#1. Tooth Resorption Is Your Body Rejecting Your Tooth

Tooth resorption refers to a type of dental injury where your body starts to reject your tooth as a means of self-defense. It results in the loss of parts of your teeth and can affect many areas of your tooth, such as your root, your tooth’s pulp, your dentin (the tissue under the enamel), and your cementum (which covers your root). It typically starts on the exterior of your tooth and moves inwards, though this isn’t always the case.

#2. There Are Two Kinds: Internal And External

Depending on where you’re experiencing loss of parts of your teeth, your tooth resorption may be internal or external. 

Internal resorption is less common and people often can’t tell whether or not they have it, as it affects the interior of your tooth. Instead, your dentist will be able to find your internal resorption on dental X-rays, which will show dark spots where you’re missing internal tissue.

External resorption is a lot more common than internal resorption and it is easier to tell if you have it. It can affect any part of the exterior of your tooth, from your roots to your enamel. It can appear as chips or holes in your teeth, as well as shortened or flattened roots on dental X-rays.

#3. It’s Normal And Not Cause For Concern For Children

While tooth resorption is deeply concerning when it comes to your permanent teeth and can result in long-term damage, it’s just part of the developmental process for your baby teeth. It’s part of how your body makes room for your permanent teeth, by having the roots of the baby teeth undergo resorption. 

#4. There Are Many Potential Causes

Tooth resorption can occur for any number of reasons. Internal resorption is most commonly caused by traumatic injuries, though it can also result from bacteria or chemical exposure. External resorption can be caused by asthma, genetics, age, malocclusion, prolonged orthodontic treatment, injuries to the mouth and teeth, and more. 

The exact causes of tooth resorption aren’t something that are well understood as of yet, especially since it can be caused by so many different things.

#5. There Aren’t Always Clear Symptoms

As mentioned before, many people don’t even realize that they have internal tooth resorption until their dentist points it out on an X-ray. However, especially as the condition worsens, there are some common symptoms that you may notice, such as:

• Tooth pain
• Swollen red gums
• Holes in your teeth
• Chips on your teeth
• Unusual spacing between your teeth
• Discolored teeth, pink or dark
• Brittle teeth
• Decay

#6. Untreated Tooth Resorption Leads To Many Complications

If you have tooth resorption, you don’t want to leave it untreated. As with most dental problems, leaving tooth resorption untreated can worsen the condition and lead to complications, such as:

• Discoloration
• Crooked teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Missing teeth
• Holes in your teeth
• Gum recession
• Weakened teeth
• Pain
• Infection
• Loss of your tooth

#7. Diagnosis Depends On What Part Of Your Tooth Is Affected

As mentioned previously, it’s easier to diagnose external resorption than internal. This is because how tooth resorption is diagnosed depends on what part of your tooth is affected by it. Internal resorption can be diagnosed via dental X-rays and dentists noticing dark spots in your teeth. External resorption can usually be seen with the naked eye.

In both cases, your dental professional will examine your tooth in order to determine the damage caused and the extent of your resorption.

#8. Treatment Also Depends On What Part Of Your Tooth Is Affected

You’ll likely be relieved to hear that tooth resorption can be treated. What kind of treatment you receive will depend on what part of your tooth has been affected by it, as well as how extensive the resorption is. Treatment is meant to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible, and includes:

• Root canals
• Crowns
• Gum surgery
• Tooth extraction

David G. Johnson, D.D.S. offers tooth resorption treatments. If you suspect you have tooth resorption, we can treat it. Contact us today to learn more.