- What Is Endodontic Retreatment?
- How Do You Perform Root Canal Retreatment?
- What Are the Benefits of Endodontic Retreatment?
- Endodontic Associates of East Alabama Reviews
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Find Relief with Endodontic Retreatment
- Get In Touch
- Related Procedures
- Related Posts
- Am I A Candidate For Endodontic Retreatment?
- What To Expect After Endodontic Retreatment
What Is Endodontic Retreatment?
There are several reasons why a tooth may need additional attention after a root canal. If the initial infection wasn't completely eliminated, or if the tooth becomes infected again, our team at Endodontic Associates of East Alabama may need to perform endodontic retreatment to save it. Also called root canal retreatment, this procedure involves cleaning the canals and pulp chamber inside the tooth to eliminate infection, similar to a conventional root canal. With more than 30 years of endodontic experience, Dr. William Looney specializes in root canal treatments and can help you find relief from discomfort. If you're still experiencing pain or infection after root canal therapy, schedule a consultation at our Auburn, AL practice to discover if you're a candidate for endodontic retreatment.
How Do You Perform Root Canal Retreatment?
We'll start your endodontic retreatment by numbing the area. When you're ready, Dr. Looney will carefully remove the previous filling from the tooth before thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting the tissues inside. After cleaning the tooth, he'll refill and reseal it. In many cases, a future crown may be needed to provide additional structure. You may have some mild discomfort after your endodontic retreatment, but most patients say that it feels about the same as a standard root canal. You can manage any pain after your root canal retreatment with over-the-counter medication.
What Are the Benefits of Endodontic Retreatment?
Root canal therapy is an effective treatment in many situations, but there are times when a tooth needs additional treatment to prevent infection. If you're still dealing with an infected tooth after having a root canal, endodontic retreatment at Endodontic Associates of East Alabama may give you another chance to save it. The benefits of root canal retreatment include:
- Reducing the need for more invasive treatments in the future
- Saving your tooth from extraction
- Preventing the spread of infection to the rest of your mouth
- Restoring the strength and resilience of a damaged tooth
- Relieves pain from a dental infection
Endodontic Associates of East Alabama Reviews
Great "bedside manner" - Dr. Looney was professional, kind and attentive. He listened so carefully that he addressed questions that I hadn't actually asked, but he intuitively knew I wanted answers to. He read my forms and asked questions about my prior career, showing interest. He was kind, proactive and made sure I left my appointment with everything I needed. The procedure was done efficiently with as little discimfort as possible. I strongly recommend Dr. Looney if you want a quality and caring experience. I drove 220 miles round trip and it was well worth it!
Dr W. Looney DMD is very professional & courteous. He did great correcting my dental issues. Best pain free surgery I have had in 59 years. Staff is great as well.
Dr. Looney took great care with this very anxious patient. I would definitely see him again.
This doctor is very caring. He went above and beyond to get my pain under control. I had one root canal and continued to have pain. He saw me (without a scheduled appointment) and did another root canal on a tooth next to the first infected one. I am praying this will resolve the issues but if not, it is certainly not a reflection on Dr. Looney. He has thorough, quick and most of all, compassionate. The office personnel were great as well.
My dentist did a root canal about 20 years ago and for some reason it went bad and he recommended that I see a specialist because of the difficulty of redoing one. I choose Dr. Looney from my dentist's recommendation and because his practice accepted my Southland Dental Insurance. The Dr. and his assistants did a great job, my root canal went fine, and my insurance covered the entire amount due, I was even refunded the co-pay. I hope I never need another one, but if I do I will see Dr Looney.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my previous root canal failed?
Signs include lingering pain, swelling, sensitivity, or visible signs of infection like a pimple on the gum. Your dentist may also find evidence of problems on an x-ray. Not all failed root canals cause pain right away.
What are the alternatives to retreatment?
The main alternative is tooth extraction. After extraction, the tooth can be replaced with a bridge, implant, or partial denture. However, saving your natural tooth is usually always preferred if possible.
How should I prepare for an endodontic retreatment appointment?
Before your endodontic retreatment procedure, our team may recommend eating a light meal and avoiding tobacco or alcohol before treatment. Patients should also provide a list of current medications and discuss any health conditions that could affect healing or anesthesia. Proper preparation can help make the appointment more comfortable and efficient.
When should I see a specialist for endodontic retreatment?
You should consider seeing an endodontist in Auburn, AL if a previously treated tooth develops pain, swelling, or recurring infection. Endodontists receive specialized training in diagnosing complex root canal problems and performing retreatment procedures designed to save natural teeth whenever possible. At Endodontic Associates of East Alabama, our team provides focused care for patients needing advanced endodontic treatment.
How long does endodontic retreatment usually take?
The length of an endodontic retreatment appointment depends on the complexity of the tooth and the condition being treated. Many procedures can be completed in one visit lasting about 60 to 90 minutes, although more complex cases may require additional appointments. Our team carefully evaluates each tooth to create the most effective treatment plan possible.
Find Relief with Endodontic Retreatment
Endodontic retreatment is a complicated procedure that requires skill and care, especially if the tooth has already been treated multiple times. If you're living with lasting pain after a root canal, you might benefit from root canal retreatment at Endodontic Associates of East Alabama. Led by Dr. Looney, our team has the experience and compassion to help you preserve your natural smile. Schedule a consultation at our practice in Auburn, AL and experience a higher standard of endodontic care.
Get In Touch
Am I A Candidate For Endodontic Retreatment?
Candidates for endodontic retreatment are still experiencing symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or infection, after a previous root canal procedure. This could be due to incomplete cleaning of the canals during the initial treatment, new decay that has allowed bacteria to re-enter the tooth, a loose or damaged crown, or narrow or curved canals that were missed during the original procedure. In some cases, a previously treated tooth may develop a crack or fracture, leading to further complications that require retreatment. If you're unsure whether you're a candidate, Dr. Looney can perform an assessment to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and whether endodontic retreatment is the best solution for your dental health.
What To Expect After Endodontic Retreatment
After your endodontic retreatment, it's normal to experience some sensitivity and discomfort for a few days. You can manage this with over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by Dr. Looney. We advise you to avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it is fully restored with a filling or crown. It is also crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, to prevent further infection. We will provide you with specific aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your healing and discuss the next steps for restoring your tooth. Our goal is to ensure a smooth recovery and the long-term health of your tooth.