ENDODONTIC RETREATMENT IN CHALFONT, PA

At Elite Endodontics in Chalfont, PA, Dr. Jaclyn Cruz is dedicated to preserving your natural teeth, even when problems arise after a previous root canal. If a treated tooth becomes reinfected or painful, retreatment offers an excellent opportunity to save it.

What is retreatment?

Retreatment, also known as "re‑doing" a root canal, involves reopening a tooth that has previously undergone endodontic treatment when it fails to heal or becomes infected months or years later.

Why might a root canal need redoing?

Sometimes, an initial treatment doesn’t fully address the infection due to:

• Missed, narrow, or curved canals
• Complex tooth anatomy that wasn't detected
• Delay or failure in placing a permanent crown, allowing bacterial leakage

Additionally, new decay, a cracked crown, or a tooth fracture can introduce bacteria back into the canal.

How the retreatment procedure works

Consultation & Evaluation - Dr. Cruz will review your symptoms, take updated X-rays or 3D (CBCT) scans to assess healing opportunities.

1. Reopening the Tooth - We remove the existing crown/restoration to access the root canal filling.
2. Removing Old Fillings - The previous gutta‑percha is carefully removed.
3. Thorough Cleaning - Using microscopes, Dr. Cruz locates any hidden canals or overlooked infected areas and meticulously disinfects them.
4. Refilling & Sealing - The canals are reshaped, disinfected, and disinfected again before being resealed with fresh filling material.
5. Temporary Filling & Restoration - A temporary seal will be placed. You’ll then return to your general dentist for a new permanent crown to protect the tooth.

Why choose retreatment?

• Preserves Natural Teeth: Retreated teeth can last a lifetime with proper care.
• Utilizes Advanced Technology: Dr. Cruz utilizes modern techniques, including microscopes and CBCT imaging, which are often unavailable during the initial treatment.
• Higher Success Before Surgery: Non‑surgical retreatment is typically attempted first, offering excellent outcomes before any surgical intervention is considered.

Are you a candidate for retreatment?

You may benefit from retreatment if you are experiencing persistent pain or swelling, notice sensitivity in a tooth that has already undergone root canal therapy, or if X-rays reveal signs of reinfection or a failing crown.

Call our front desk at (215) 997-9888 to schedule your evaluation and give your tooth a second chance with retreatment.