Root canal retreatment is an alternative to extraction after root canal failure
Root canal therapy is a tooth-saving treatment that can help you avoid the extraction of a severely damaged tooth. While it is a successful procedure in most cases, there is a slight chance that the treatment will fail – either soon after the procedure or sometimes years later. While many dentists will suggest extraction at this point, the team of endodontic specialists at Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry in Beverly Hills, California, offers a better alternative: root canal retreatment.
What is root canal retreatment?
Root canal retreatment is very similar to the initial root canal procedure, except that it also involves steps to remove any dental restorations and filling material that was placed during the initial procedure. This is performed using an ultrasonic handpiece after the tooth is thoroughly numbed, and then very small instruments are used to sanitize and reshape the canals. We may use x-rays at this point to ensure that the roots have been thoroughly cleaned. The tooth is then packed with gutta-percha material to seal off the canals, and finally, a temporary crown is placed until your new permanent crown is ready.
Why root canal retreatment might be needed
Root canal therapy can unexpectedly fail for a variety of reasons, such as:
- New decay or fracture in the treated tooth
- Prolonged delay in placing a dental crown or other restoration after the initial procedure
- A cracked dental crown or other issues that enable saliva and bacteria to enter the tooth
- Complex, curved, or narrow canal structures that were not treated during the initial root canal procedure
Is retreatment better than an extraction?
The short answer is yes. In most cases, retreatment is a more time- and cost-effective option than extraction, in addition to being better for your overall oral health. The process of extracting and then replacing a tooth typically takes several visits and is quite expensive, and the result is unfortunately never quite the same as a natural tooth in terms of function and aesthetics. With endodontic retreatment, you can avoid these issues by retaining your natural tooth.
Learn more in a consultation
If you are experiencing tooth pain or other symptoms that a root canal-treated tooth is not healthy, it is important to schedule a consultation with your dentist as soon as possible. At Beverly Hills Advanced Specialties of Dentistry, we work closely with our patients to identify the source of their symptoms and provide effective treatment solutions, helping them avoid extractions whenever possible. We will also answer any questions you have about what to expect and the cost of your treatment. To schedule your consultation in our Beverly Hills, CA office, call (310) 861-3955 today!
The skilled doctors at our practice are Frank M. A. Vidjak, DDS, MSEd and Fanny Yacaman, DDS, MSEd, MS.

