Preventing Extractions with Excellent Care

Usually, root canal treatment will keep your tooth free of pain and infection for life. But sometimes pain continues or comes back. If this happens, it is important that you call us or talk to your dentist right away, even if the pain returns years after your initial root canal.

When a Root Canal Fails

Dentists perform root canals every day. They may be quite good at them. But sometimes, a general dentist just doesn’t have the equipment or experience needed to deal with unusual root canal situations.

Sometimes there is infection in a difficult-to-reach root tip or the canals themselves are unusually shaped and some infection remains. On other occasions, a tooth may not heal as expected because of:

• a delay before crown placement
• damage to the crown because of clenching or grinding
• an improper seal on the crown
• …the list could go on and on.

We are here to help. One of our specialties is the retreatment of seemingly failed root canals.

We will either access the canals through your existing restoration or remove it for a clearer view. Next, we will remove all the old material while cleaning the canals and look for any signs of continuing infection. We use microscopes for all endodontic procedures so we can see every detail where infection can hide. Often untreated microscopic canals are the cause for the pain and recurred infection. Once these canals are located, cleaned, and sealed the infection will go away and the tooth can be saved.

Choose the Right Endodontist

Endodontic retreatment is a fairly complicated procedure, so it is important to rely on an endodontist. Dr. Bradford has the necessary training and years of experience to perform even the most delicate and complicated procedures with success. A retreatment should only be performed by an endodontic specialist.