Endodontics Archives | Crossroads Dental Clinic In Dubai

Indications for Re-Root Canal Treatment

Persistent or Recurrent Infection

Sometimes, infections can persist or recur after a root canal treatment. This can be due to several reasons, such as complex root canal anatomy that harbors residual bacteria.

New Infection

A new infection might occur if the tooth is re-exposed to bacteria, typically through new decay or a leaking filling.

Fractured Root Canal Filling

The materials used to fill the cleaned root canal can fracture or degrade over time, potentially allowing bacteria to re-enter the canal and causing a new infection.

Missed Canals

A common complication is the failure to treat all the tooth’s root canals, often because they were undetected during the initial treatment. Missed canals can harbor bacteria, leading to ongoing infection.

Unresolved Symptoms

Patients might experience persistent symptoms such as pain and swelling, even after treatment, indicating that the underlying issue may not have been fully resolved.

Failed Previous Treatment

Previous treatments can fail for various reasons, including poor technique, inadequate sealing, or complex canal anatomy.

Tooth Cracks or Fractures

Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment are more brittle and susceptible to fractures. This can compromise the seal of the canal filling and reintroduce bacteria to the tooth.

Conclusion

Root canal treatments have a high success rate, but understanding potential complications is crucial. Regular dental check-ups and following good oral hygiene practices are vital for maintaining the health of a treated tooth.

Understanding the Steps in Root Canal Treatment

Endodontic treatment can often be performed in single or multiple visits and involves the following steps:

The endodontist examines and takes a radiograph of the tooth using x-rays, then administers local anaesthetic in the specific region of tooth.

The endodontist makes an opening in the crown of the tooth. Hand and rotary files are used to clean the pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals and to shape the space for filling the root canal system.

After space is shaped and cleaned, the endodontist fills the root canals with a biocompatible material, usually a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. The gutta-percha is placed with a sealer to ensure complete impervious sealing of the root canal system. In most cases, a temporary filling is placed to close the opening. The temporary filling will be removed by your dentist before the tooth is restored with permanent filling.

After the final visit with your endodontist, you must return to your dentist to have a crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect and restore it to full function.

Stages of Root Canal Treatment