Endodontic Retreatment
When a previously treated tooth develops new symptoms or infection, retreatment can give it another chance to heal and remain part of your natural smile.
Another opportunity to save your natural tooth
A Second Chance to Save Your Tooth
Sometimes a tooth that has already received root canal treatment doesn’t heal as expected or develops a new problem months or even years later.
Endodontic retreatment allows our specialists to reopen the tooth, identify the source of the problem, carefully clean the canal system, and seal it again to support healing.
Address New Infection
Treat infection that develops after previous treatment.
Find Hidden Problems
Identify canals or anatomy that may have been missed.
Preserve Your Tooth
Give your natural tooth another chance to heal.
Restore Comfort
Address the source of recurring pain or sensitivity.
Understanding Why the Problem Returned
Persistent symptoms after a root canal don’t always mean the tooth has to be removed. Our specialists carefully evaluate the tooth to understand what changed and whether retreatment can help.
Advanced 3D imaging and microscopic visualization allow us to examine complex anatomy, previous treatment, and areas that may be difficult to see with conventional methods.
Once we understand the cause, we can recommend the most appropriate next step for your tooth.
Careful evaluation before retreatment
Your Retreatment, Step by Step
Evaluation & Diagnosis
We examine the tooth and previous treatment to identify the source of the problem.
Access & Removal
The tooth is reopened and previous filling materials are carefully removed.
Cleaning & Retreatment
The canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and checked for hidden anatomy.
Sealing & Restoration
The canals are resealed and the tooth is prepared for its final restoration.
Advanced Technology. Better Treatment Experience.
The GentleWave® System cleans and disinfects the root canal more thoroughly, helping preserve healthy tooth structure for predictable results.
Advanced Technology. Better Treatment Experience.
Small field high resolution 3D imaging helps our specialists see fine details for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask a Question
What is an endodontist?
An endodontist is a dentist with advanced specialty training in diagnosing tooth pain and treating problems involving the dental pulp and tissues around the roots of teeth.
Root canal treatment is a major part of endodontics, but endodontists also diagnose difficult-to-locate pain, evaluate cracked and injured teeth, perform retreatment and endodontic surgery, and treat other conditions that may threaten a natural tooth.
Why did my dentist refer me to an endodontist?
Your dentist may refer you when a tooth needs a more detailed diagnosis or specialized endodontic care.
You may have tooth pain, infection, a previously treated tooth, unusual anatomy, a possible crack, or another condition that deserves a specialist’s evaluation.
What problems does an endodontist treat?
Endodontists diagnose and treat problems involving the pulp inside a tooth and the tissues surrounding its roots.
These may include:
- Inflamed or infected dental pulp
- Dental abscesses
- Previously treated teeth that develop new problems
- Cracked teeth
- Dental trauma
- Root resorption
- Difficult-to-diagnose tooth pain
- Problems requiring root canal retreatment or endodontic surgery
How do I know if I might need a root canal?
Possible signs include lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, spontaneous tooth pain, pain when biting, swelling, tenderness, or changes around the root seen on dental imaging.
However, symptoms alone cannot determine whether you need root canal treatment. The correct diagnosis should be established before treatment is recommended.
Can I need a root canal even if my tooth does not hurt?
Yes. Some teeth with damaged or infected pulp cause little or no pain.
A problem may instead be discovered during an examination or on dental imaging.
Can an endodontist tell whether my tooth can be saved?
An endodontist can evaluate many of the factors that determine whether endodontic treatment can predictably preserve a tooth.
These include the condition of the pulp and roots, cracks or fractures, previous treatment, infection, surrounding tissues, and the amount of healthy tooth structure that remains.
Your general dentist or another dental specialist may also help determine whether the tooth can be predictably restored.
Does seeing an endodontist mean I will definitely need a root canal?
No.
The purpose of an endodontic consultation is to establish a diagnosis first. Depending on the findings, the recommendation may be root canal treatment, retreatment, surgery, monitoring, another type of dental care, or no endodontic treatment at all.
What is the difference between an endodontist and a general dentist?
General dentists provide a broad range of dental care.
Endodontists focus specifically on diagnosing and treating conditions involving the dental pulp, roots, and surrounding tissues.
Your general dentist and endodontist often work together. The endodontist provides specialty care, while your general dentist continues to manage your overall dental health and, when needed, your final restoration.
Do endodontists only perform root canals?
No.
Endodontists also diagnose difficult tooth pain, evaluate previously treated teeth, perform root canal retreatment and endodontic surgery, and manage cracked teeth, dental trauma, resorption, and other conditions involving the inside of a tooth and its roots.
Can an endodontist help if I am not sure which tooth is hurting?
Yes.
Identifying the true source of pain is an important part of endodontic diagnosis. The tooth that feels painful is not always the tooth causing the problem.
Your endodontist uses your symptoms, clinical testing, examination, and appropriate imaging to determine the most likely source before recommending treatment.
Protect Your
Natural Smile
Whether referred by your dentist or searching on your own, we’re here to provide expert diagnosis and compassionate care.