Endodontic Retreatment
Natick, MA
 Sometimes you get a root canal surgery because you need it, the weeks pass, and you feel great. Suddenly, months or even years later, the thing you thought was over is starting to bother you once more. Again you have pain or sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods, and you are having the symptoms you had before your surgery. At this point, you may be wondering what is happening to cause these issues.
Most of the time after getting a root canal everything goes smoothly. You will not have to worry about other complications. However, sometimes the nerve the endodontist removed does not heal properly. In those cases, this might be a sign you need endodontic retreatment. If you are feeling discomfort in the same tooth you had a root canal procedure, or swelling around the gums, you need to schedule an appointment with one of our endodontists. Here at Elite Dental of Natick, we can help you.
What Does it Mean My Tooth Did Not Heal Properly?
Commonly, the tooth will heal properly after a root canal procedure, and this type of treatment can last an entire lifetime. Still, sometimes the nerve does not heal because of an infection, crack in the tooth, or new decay. Whatever the case, there is a second opportunity for our specialists to save your tooth, and that is why it is called endodontic retreatment.
Do I Have Any Other Treatment Choices?
When you have an infected pulp, the main goal of our team is to save your tooth, but most importantly, to save your life. The two treatment options for this condition are root canal surgery and pulling out your tooth. Leaving an infected pulp untreated can lead to several unwanted complications, and it does not represent an option.
If you already had root canal surgery, there are two options: an apicoectomy or endodontic retreatment. The last option means a second chance to perform the same procedure as before. In an apicoectomy, our endodontists will remove a portion of the root of your tooth. Besides these two options after having a root canal procedure, a specialist can extract your tooth.
What Should I Do After an Endodontic Surgery?
Every patient is different, and we will give you instructions regarding your case. Your tooth can be sensitive on the days after the procedure. We can recommend an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to lessen the pain and inflammation you might have. You should avoid brushing too harshly or chewing any hard foods.
Most of the time, everything goes well, and you should be seeing us again a week after your procedure to make sure there is no pus from the surgical site. Our endodontists might also need to see you again to remove any stitches left after the surgery.
Endodontic retreatment means a second opportunity to save your tooth before assessing the option of removing it. If you had root canal surgery and are experiencing swelling or redness around your tooth and extreme discomfort, give us a call at (508) 319-9339 at Elite Dental of Natick today. |
