San Antonio Root Canal Re-Treatment

When a root canal treatment fails, you still have some options to save the tooth. As endodontists, we specialize in saving teeth and are trained to handle complex root canal re-treatment.

When Do You Need Root Canal Re-Treatment?

There are several reasons a root canal might need re-treatment.

Some teeth have complex root canal systems, and can it be difficult to locate all the branches of the canals. If any are missed, the tooth will not fully heal and it will need to be re-treated.

Sometimes it can be difficult to get a good seal at the apex of the tooth. In the absence of a good seal, a tooth may heal but then become re-infected.

Also, if the patient delays having a final restoration on the tooth to the point where the temporary filling is lost, saliva will then begin to break down the root canal filling and sealer and the tooth may need re-treatment.

If you have had a root canal treatment and the tooth begins to hurt again or a draining abscess never goes away or goes away and comes back, we will be happy to see you and determine if your tooth needs re-treatment or needs root canal surgery. As root canal specialists, we train extensively to prevent the complications that cause root canal failure. We use advanced technology to examine the tooth and remove all infection-causing debris. In some cases, it may not be possible, or it may not be worth it to you to try to save the tooth. We will be honest with you in assessing the prospects for your tooth.

Endodontic Technology

At Oak Hills Endodontics, we try to avoid the need for root canal re-treatment with the use of the most advanced dental technology, such as:

• Apex locators. This machine lets us measure the length of each tooth root. The device signals when its sensor has reached the root’s apex. This is quicker and more reliable than using x-rays.
• Sophisticated imaging. We use digital X-rays and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to plan root canal re-treatment. This gives us three-dimensional views of each root.
• Ultrasonic instrumentation. A modern update to traditional hand files, ultrasonics help us thoroughly clean out all infection and debris from inside your tooth.
• Root canal microscopes. This microscope magnifies a tooth’s interior to show precisely where debris and calcification hide.

If you need root canal re-treatment, we can schedule you for a consult with Dr. Janse, Dr. Thompson, Dr. Bates, or Dr. Rayyan to discuss your case. Call us at 210-342-2444 or fill out our appointment request form here; we will gladly call you back.