Root Canal Retreatment
The American Academy of Endodontics reports that nearly 16 million root canal procedures are performed each year in the United States and that approximately 85% are successful. While root canal therapy offers this extremely high success rate, some patients have an endodontically treated tooth that fails to heal — or is causing pain — months or even years after successful treatment. When this occurs, the tooth may often be saved by a root canal retreatment, which Dr. Bryan Bohning performs.
Why would a second root canal be needed?
There are several reasons that a tooth may not heal after initial root canal therapy. For starters, the anatomic structure of the tooth’s canal system can make treatment difficult; narrow or curved canals may go undetected. Next, tooth trauma can cause the root to fracture, which can cause an infection or cyst. Finally, new decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria and cause a new infection. This can be the result of a loose, cracked or broken crown or filling.
What happens during retreatment?
With root canal retreatment, Dr. Bohning gently reopens the canals and removes the infection. They then sterilize and refill the canals. In many cases, restorative materials such as crowns and posts need to be removed in order get to the root canal. Dr. Bohning will always try to preserve the original crown, if possible. If they determine that your existing crown is sealing and functioning properly, they will drill a small hole in the crown that can later be restored by your general dentist. For more information, call the Bohning Endodontics office nearest you today in Houma or just outside New Orleans in Metairie, Louisiana.
To schedule an appointment please call us at 504-888-4034 in Metaire, Louisana or at 985-580-1007 in Houma, Louisana.