Statistics show that root canal therapy is highly successful, and even more so when performed by an endodontist. However, some teeth do not heal properly and may become painful or diseased again. Antibiotics cannot permanently resolve a root canal that is re-infected. Treatment options are retreatment or extraction.
As occasionally happens with any dental or medical procedure, a tooth may not heal as expected after initial treatment for a variety of reasons:
In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example:
First, we will discuss your treatment options. If you choose retreatment, we will reopen your tooth to gain access to the root canal filling material. In many cases, complex restorative materials—crown, post and core material—must be disassembled and removed to permit access to the root canals.
After removing the canal filling, we can clean the canals and carefully examine the inside of your tooth using magnification and illumination, searching for any additional canals or unusual anatomy that requires treatment. The Gentlewave Procedure will again be used to further disinfect the canals.
After cleaning the canals, the tooth will be filled and the canals sealed prior to place either a temporary filling or permanent restoration in the tooth. If the canals are unusually narrow or blocked, additional endodontic surgery may be indicated. This surgery involves making an incision to allow the other end of the root to be sealed.
After endodontic retreatment is completed, you will need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to its full function.
Whenever possible, it is best to save your natural tooth. Retreated teeth can function well for years, even for a lifetime.
Advances in technology are constantly changing the way root canal treatment is performed, so new techniques may be utilized that were not available when you had your first procedure.
As with any dental or medical procedure, there are no guarantees. We will discuss your options and the chances of success before beginning retreatment.
Many endodontic procedures are performed to relieve the pain of toothaches caused by pulp inflammation or infection. With modern techniques and anesthetics, most patients report that they experience no pain during the procedure. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation options are also available to patients who may feel anxious.
For the first few days after treatment, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medications. It is normal that your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after your endodontic treatment is completed.
Most patients experience little to no discomfort after treatment. Every patient will also be provided with Dr. Chung’s direct cell phone number after treatment so that you can easily reach her at any time if needed.
I’d rather eat dirt than have another root canal. That said, if one were necessary, I would go IMMEDIATELY to Dr. Chung, she was overflowing with competence and confidence, and was cordial and personable. All the ladies in the office treated us as if we were family. I’d go back there in a minute!
Root canals are never any fun of course, but Dr. Chung was truly amazing. She was so attentive, painless, and careful. But what impressed me most is that she clearly worked intently enough to get me through the process as fast as possible without compromising quality. The staff there is pretty amazing too. So if you have to get endo work done, this is the place for it!
Great office, staff and talented Dentists. Took care me so well and fast. Even had a menu of goodies to make me feel better to pick from during my procedure and after. Dr. Chung and Tiffany her assistant were the best.
I wish there were ten stars to give! What an incredible place! Fantastic facility with high-tech imaging equipment. I came in with a tooth that had already had two root canals. Dr. Chung was able to assess the situation and was extremely knowledgeable and kind. The staff was incredible, kind and so helpful. When you're in pain, kindness is currency. And they have that in spades. Don't go anywhere else.
I cannot think that one could have a better dental experience…except for not having to go (LOL!) than the one I had at Five Cities Endo! Dr. Chung was simply amazing in every way and the team of assistants equally great! They took a normally stressful situation (needing a root canal) and not only made it virtually pain free (during and after) but were so focused on making me as comfortable as possible that I’m actually writing a positive thumbs up review for dental work. 😀 To say that I highly recommend them is an understatement. Thank you Dr. Chung and the whole Five Cities Endo team!!
