Treatment
Root canal retreatment in Market Harborough
A root-treated tooth that becomes painful again, develops a swelling or shows infection on an X-ray can very often be saved with retreatment. The old root filling is removed, the canal system is cleaned again — including any canals that were missed the first time — and the tooth is sealed and restored.
Why root canal treatments fail
Root canal treatment is highly successful, but a proportion of teeth develop problems months or years later. The usual reasons are:
- a canal that was not found or not fully cleaned, which is common in molars with extra canals;
- a root filling that stops short of the root tip, or is loosely packed;
- a leaking crown or filling that lets bacteria back into the canals;
- a delay in placing the final restoration after treatment;
- a crack in the root, which unfortunately cannot be repaired.
Retreatment addresses all but the last of these. Finding the cause is the first job, and it decides whether retreatment, microsurgery or extraction is the right recommendation.
How retreatment is done
- Assessment. We examine the tooth, test it, take fresh X-rays and look closely at the quality of the existing root filling and restoration. A written plan sets out the diagnosis, the likely prognosis and the fee.
- Gaining access. Under local anaesthetic and rubber dam, access is made through the existing crown or filling. If a post is present it is removed carefully with ultrasonic instruments.
- Removing the old filling. The previous root filling material is dissolved and removed from each canal under the microscope.
- Finding what was missed. Magnification allows us to locate untreated canals, negotiate blockages and bypass or remove broken instruments where possible.
- Cleaning, dressing and sealing. The canals are re-shaped and disinfected. Because the infection is often well established, an antibacterial dressing is usually left in place for a week or two before the canals are filled at a second visit.
- Restoration. A new crown or a well-sealed filling from your dentist protects the result.
What to expect
Retreatment appointments are typically around 90 minutes and the work is done in two visits. Discomfort afterwards is similar to first-time treatment: mild tenderness on biting for a few days, managed with ordinary painkillers. Healing of the bone around the root is checked on an X-ray at a review appointment, usually six to twelve months later.
Retreatment, surgery or extraction?
Retreatment is the first choice when the problem can be reached through the crown of the tooth. Endodontic microsurgery is considered when a good root filling is already in place, when a post cannot be safely removed or when the crown would be damaged by reopening the tooth. Extraction is advised only when the tooth cannot be restored — for example with a vertical root fracture or too little sound tooth remaining. Our guide root canal treatment or extraction walks through the decision.
Seen elsewhere first?
Many patients come to us after treatment at another practice. You do not need a referral: call us directly, bring or ask for any recent X-rays, and we will give you a clear second opinion on whether the tooth is worth saving.