Root canal retreatment
A tooth that has had a root canal can usually last a lifetime. When one does not heal, or starts to hurt months or years later, retreatment gives it a second chance.
Why a treated tooth can hurt again
- A curved, narrow or extra canal was not found or fully cleaned the first time.
- The crown or filling was delayed or did not seal, letting saliva and bacteria back in.
- New decay, a cracked filling or a loose crown exposed the tooth to infection.
- A crack developed in the root.
What retreatment involves
Dr. El-Refai reopens the tooth, removes the old filling material, and cleans the canals again under the microscope, looking closely for anything missed the first time. The canals are then refilled and sealed, the tooth is closed with a permanent filling, and your dentist places a new crown if one is needed.
When surgery is the better option
If a post or crown makes the canals hard to reach, or the problem sits at the very tip of the root, an apicoectomy may be recommended instead.
Step by step
A tooth treated before, with its old root filling in place -
Infection has returned, often where a canal was missed or the seal leaked -
The old filling material is removed and the canals are cleaned again -
The canals are filled and sealed again -
A new permanent filling or crown closes the tooth
Insurance and fees
In network with most dental PPO plans. We check your benefits and tell you what to expect before treatment. How payment works
What patients say
Amber LangeJune 2025 I was referred here by my dentist for a root canal retreat. Anyway Dr El-Rafai was very great about explaining things and she was so gentle. I had four injections and honestly it was the best injections I probably have ever had. As far as the retreat I expected to be sore and after day one it was like nothing had even happened. The staff was also so Very nice. I would definitely go back here for any future endo work I may need.
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Relief starts with a call
Call or text, and we will find the soonest time that works. If you are in pain, tell us when you call, and we will do everything we can to see you the same day.