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root canal is intended to clean the root systems of teeth and remove bacteria that cause infection and jeopardize the health and stability of a tooth. When a root canal is completed properly, a treated tooth can remain in-place for years and does not need to be immediately extracted to prevent additional damage. However, there are instances where an initial root canal can fail, requiring re-treatment, which include:
Bacteria still present in root systems - While the goal of a root canal is to remove all bacteria and damaged tissue to prevent re-infection, this is not always so easily accomplished. Some dentists who do not utilize advanced treatment techniques have to guess at the size and depth of root systems and may miss a spot where bacteria lingers and can re-populate to further compromise a tooth. In these cases, it’s necessary to go back in for a second root canal to more thoroughly remove bacteria.
Improperly sealed crown - Placing a dental crown is an important final step in the root canal process, as the crown protects underlying tooth structure, which is vulnerable, from additional damage caused by bacteria and acid. A crown that is not efficiently sealed around all margins can leak, or allow an entry point for bacteria to access natural tooth structure and re-infect your treated tooth. When this occurs, the crown must be replaced and teeth may need to be treated to a second root canal to ensure that the new crown doesn’t trap any lingering harmful bacteria.
In cases where there is still bacteria in root systems, but the dental crown has been placed and sealed properly, it’s possible to perform a second root canal through the crown and avoid removing it entirely. However, if a faulty crown is the culprit, it will need to be replaced to create a better seal.
Second Root Canal Treatments with Dr. Haddad
Root canal re-treatment is essential in saving teeth that still have the chance of being preserved. While teeth that are severely compromised often need to be extracted, a second root canal can successfully save a tooth that is still treatable and is not damaged to the point of requiring removal. Dr. Haddad offers root canal retreatment with advanced endodontic tools to more efficiently target tooth root systems and ensure that your tooth can be protected and saved. For more information about root canal re-treatment in Spring Valley,
contact Dr. Haddad and his team.
