Give your tooth a second chance
Sometimes a previously treated tooth develops new problems. Root canal retreatment at Desert Willow Dental in Glendale, AZ can help save it. Rather than extracting the tooth, our team works to clean the canals again and give the tooth the best chance of lasting.
Dr. Crane has advanced training in endodontics, which focuses on treating the inside of the tooth. Dr. Russell Crane and Dr. Amanda Pharo will evaluate your tooth, explain what they find, and recommend a clear path forward.
Why a retreatment may be needed
A root canal has a strong track record, but sometimes a treated tooth needs attention again. Reasons include:
- New decay that has reached the filling inside the tooth
- A crack in the tooth that allows bacteria back in
- A canal that was missed during the original treatment
- A delayed or missing crown, leaving the tooth exposed
- A seal that has broken down over time
These situations may allow bacteria to re-enter the canals and cause a new infection. Your dentist will take X-rays and examine the tooth to determine the cause.
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What happens during root canal retreatment
The process is similar to the original root canal, with a few extra steps:
- Reopening the tooth. The existing crown or filling is removed to access the canals.
- Removing old material. The previous filling material inside the canals is carefully taken out.
- Cleaning and reshaping. The canals are cleaned, shaped, and checked for missed canals or cracks.
- Refilling and sealing. The canals are filled with fresh material and sealed.
- Temporary filling. A temporary filling protects the tooth until your follow-up.
A dental crown is typically placed at a follow-up visit to protect and strengthen the retreated tooth.
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After retreatment
Mild soreness for a few days is normal. Over-the-counter pain relief usually helps. Follow your aftercare instructions, and be sure to get your permanent crown placed as recommended to protect the tooth long-term.
If retreatment is not a good option for your tooth, your dentist may discuss alternatives such as a tooth extraction followed by a replacement. The goal is always to find the best path for your long-term oral health.
Why choose our team for retreatment
Preserves your natural tooth
Retreatment aims to save the tooth you have, helping you avoid extraction when possible.
Advanced endodontic training
Dr. Crane has advanced training in endodontics, bringing focused skill to re-treating the inside of the tooth.
Thorough re-cleaning
Old filling material is removed and the canals are carefully cleaned, shaped, and sealed again.
Clear communication
We explain what we find, what your options are, and what to expect at every step.