With proper care, root canal treatment can last forever, but sometimes if the tooth heals improperly, it can cause new pain or disease. Re-treatment is a solution to bring relief. If you have lingering tooth sensitivity after eating or drinking, or sharp pain when biting or chewing it’s almost always a sign that infection has caused damage to the pulp inside your tooth root. Without treatment, the infection will continue to cause tooth pain, can lead to a tooth abscess, and in worst cases will require the tooth to be extracted altogether. If you’re experiencing any noticeable symptoms, especially a severe toothache, we can help!
During an initial root canal, our endodontists thoroughly debride and clean the root canal system of all infected pulp tissue, then shape and prepare the canal space before filling it with an inert material. Our extensive skills coupled with an exacting attention to detail maximize the success of endodontic treatment. And we use innovative technologies including surgical microscopes and the GentleWave® Procedure, both of which greatly improve the efficacy of root canals. While our advanced protocols prevent or minimize the risk of reinfection, we often get referrals for more complex cases and offer other services in addition to root canal retreatment in New York, NY.
Retreatment is the same as an initial root canal, with one major exception. In many cases, restorative materials such as the crown, post and core material must be removed to permit access to the root canals. After administering a local anesthetic to numb the area and sedation if needed, we remove infected tissue from the pulp chamber and root canals, then thoroughly clean the canals before filling the chamber and canals with a rubber-like material called gutta percha. After we complete retreatment, you’ll need to return to your dentist as soon as possible for a new crown to fully protect and restore the tooth. If we discover unusually narrow or blocked canals, an apicoectomy may be warranted, which involves a surgical procedure through the gums to remove the apex along with infected tissue.
The cost varies depending on the complexity of your case. It will likely be higher than your first root canal treatment because the restoration and filling material need to be removed. Also, additional time may be required to assess and treat unusual canal anatomy. While dental insurance may cover part or the entire cost of retreatment, some policies limit coverage to a single procedure on a tooth in a given period of time. Our staff can help you apply for third-party financing to ensure your root canal retreatment in New York, NY is painless and affordable.
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