In rare instances, a tooth may not heal as expected due to complications such as complex canal anatomy, a delay in completing treatment, or subsequent damage to the tooth due to injury or decay. When this happens, we may have to retreat the tooth.

First, we’ll examine you and discuss your options. In most cases, saving your tooth through retreatment is the preferred choice. We will reopen the tooth, remove the canal filling, clean the area and reexamine the root canal. If we find a deformity such as blocked or unusually narrow canals, we may recommend endodontic surgery. After retreatment, you’ll need to return to your dentist as soon as possible to have a new crown or other restoration placed on the tooth to protect it and restore it to full function.