Root Canal Retreatment

A second course is used when healing is incomplete or infection follows earlier root canal treatment and the tooth needs further cleaning.

Local anaesthetic is often used at the beginning of each session to numb the tooth and surrounding area and prevent discomfort.

A rubber dam forms a barrier around the tooth, separating fine instruments and antiseptics while creating a protected working area.

Retreatment commonly takes two to five sessions of one to three hours, with medication and a temporary seal placed between visits.

The first appointment may remove old fillings, crowns, or bridgework to assess the remaining tooth structure before the canals are cleaned further.

Between appointments, medication is placed inside the tooth and covered with a temporary filling or crown while the next stage is prepared.

After a root canal has failed, options include another nonsurgical cleaning course or root-end surgery to deal with infection near the root tip.

Incomplete healing or infection after treatment may lead to extraction, another retreatment, or periapical surgery; tooth discolouration and very rare numbness are recorded risks.

Retreatment can involve several long appointments, temporary protection between them, and further procedures if infection does not settle.