Endodontic Retreatment
Give Your Tooth a Second Chance
Endodontic Retreatment at Smile For All Dental Clinic, Kolkata
A successful root canal can save a tooth and eliminate infection—but sometimes, healing doesn’t go as planned. If you’re still experiencing pain, swelling, or sensitivity in a previously treated tooth, you may need endodontic retreatment.
At Smile For All Dental Clinic in Kolkata, our experienced endodontists specialize in retreating root canals that haven’t healed properly or have developed new infections. Using advanced tools and magnification, we can diagnose the problem, clean out the infection, and reseal the canals to preserve your natural tooth—often avoiding the need for extraction.
What Is Endodontic Retreatment?
Endodontic retreatment is a second root canal procedure performed on a tooth that was previously treated but is now reinfected or still symptomatic. It involves reopening the tooth, removing the old root canal material, disinfecting the canals again, and resealing them with precision.
Why Might a Root Canal Need Retreatment?
Even with excellent care, some teeth may not heal as expected after a root canal. Reasons you might need endodontic retreatment include:
- Persistent or new tooth pain after a previous root canal
- Reinfection due to new decay aor a cracked filling or crown
- Missed canals or complex root anatomy during the first treatment
- Breakdown of the original seal, allowing bacteria to re-enter
- Dental trauma or a new fracture exposing the tooth to infection
Symptoms That May Indicate a Need for Retreatment
- Ongoing or recurring toothache
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums near the treated tooth
- A pimple or bump on the gums (possible abscess)
- Sensitivity to heat, cold, or pressure
- Darkening of the previously treated tooth
If you notice any of these signs, early evaluation is key to saving your tooth.
The Endodontic Retreatment Procedure What to Expect
Here’s what typically happens during an endodontic retreatment at Smile For All
Local Anesthesia
We numb the area around your tooth to ensure a completely pain-free procedure.
Reaccessing the Tooth
We reopen the crown or filling placed after your first root canal to access the root canal system.
Removing Old Root Canal Material
We carefully remove the original root filling (usually gutta-percha) to expose the infected or missed areas.
Cleaning & Disinfection
Using advanced tools and microscopes, we locate and clean all canals—especially any that were missed or infected again.
Shaping & Sealing
The canals are reshaped and sealed with fresh, biocompatible material to prevent further infection.
Temporary or Permanent Restoration
We place a temporary filling and, in most cases, recommend a new dental crown to protect the tooth and restore function.
Benefits of Endodontic Retreatment
- Saves Your Natural Tooth Avoids the need for extraction and preserves your natural smile and bite
- Relieves Ongoing Pain Eliminates persistent discomfort and treats recurring infection
- Restores Long-Term Oral Health Seals the canals properly to prevent future reinfection
- Cost-Effective Less invasive and often more affordable than tooth replacement with implants or bridges
- Minimally Invasive Done under local anesthesia with little to no downtime
Alternatives to Endodontic Retreatment
The primary alternative to retreatment is tooth extraction, which may require:
- Dental implants
- Fixed dental bridges
- Removable dentures
While these are effective replacements, nothing beats saving your natural tooth when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Endodontic Retreatment
It’s a second root canal procedure done when the first one fails to fully heal or becomes infected again. It removes the old filling material, treats the canals again, and reseals the tooth.
Retreatment involves additional steps to remove old root filling and identify previously missed or newly infected canals. It often requires more precision, but the process is very similar.
No. The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and most patients report little to no discomfort. Our team uses gentle techniques to ensure your comfort.
In many cases, yes. The old crown or filling is often removed to access the canals. A new crown provides protection and restores chewing function.
If properly restored and maintained, a retreated tooth can last many years—often for life—with proper care and regular check-ups.
Still in Pain After a Root Canal? Let’s Fix It.
At Smile For All Dental Clinic, our skilled endodontists offer endodontic retreatment in Kolkata to give your tooth another shot at health. Don’t rush to extract—save your tooth first.
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