There are constantly new and improved dental treatments due to advances in dental technology. If you had a root canal several years ago, the way your treatment was performed may have changed. New and improved techniques are always being developed to decrease chair time for the patient and make things faster, easier, and less uncomfortable. Just like teeth are made to last a lifetime, root canal treatment can also last a lifetime, but sometimes problems develop and root canal retreatment may be necessary. Is root canal retreatment right for you?
Why Retreatment?
Sometimes patients develop problems after root canal treatment due to a lack of proper oral hygiene, or the development of new problems. Some problems that can develop include: new decay resulting in infection, salivary contamination to the inside of the tooth, or a loose, fractured, or broken crown or filling.
What is Retreatment?
Retreatment involves reopening the tooth to gain access to the root canal. If you decide this is the right treatment for you, your dentist will take the following steps:
- Once the tooth is reopened, the canal filling will be removed.
- The canals will be examined for unusual anatomy or additional canals.
- The canals will be cleaned and disinfected.
- The canals will be filled and sealed.
- A new crown or other type of restoration will be placed restoring your tooth to its full function.
When making your decision as to what treatment is right for you, keep in mind that it is always better to save your original tooth structure if and when possible.
About Your Lake Forest Dentist:
Aside from providing dependable family, general, and restorative dentistry services to our community, Dr. James Fondriest also holds respected academic appointments at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and the Spear Institute in Scottsdale, AZ, and he is an adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Prosthodontics at the University of Florida Dental School. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, Dr. Fondriest combines his impressive array of experience with modern technology and caring, compassionate, knowledgeable staff, and we proudly serve patients from Chicago and all surrounding communities. To schedule a consultation, call our office today at (847) 234-0517.