Reendodontics: when is it necessary?

What is reendodontics?

To explain what a root canal is, we must first talk about endodontics. Endodontics is a conservative technique, which is practiced with the aim of keeping a tooth damaged by deep infection safe. If the dental pulp has been affected by a very serious caries, the first step will be to assess the performance of this technique.

Re-endodontics is a procedure that is usually performed when the previous endodontic treatment has not had the expected effect. The procedure consists of removing the filling material applied in the root canals, in order to clean the area again, eliminating any remaining dental infection.

When is reendodontics performed?

The causes of reendodontics are very variable, since the treatment can be protocolized for different reasons. A single poorly planned endodontic procedure may result in a repeat procedure, but the most common reasons why a re-endodontic procedure is indicated are:

• Reinfection of endodontically treated root canals. This may occur due to leaks during previous treatment.
• Presence of a diseased canal, which has not been previously treated.
• Damaged complementary canals.
• Poorly planned or performed root canals that have failed to completely clean the area.
• The dental restoration is placed too late, which may lead to a re-endodoncy.
• Filling material or dental crown with cracks or breaks.

On the other hand, it is necessary to pay attention to the symptoms that indicate that this treatment is necessary. A patient who has had a root canal performed on a particular tooth and exhibits any of the following signs should contact their endodontist immediately:

• Severe discomfort in the treated area
• Persistent pain in the endodontically treated tooth
• Swelling that does not go away at the site
• Increased tooth sensitivity

How is re-endodontics performed at Bordonclinic?

At the Bordonclinic Dental Clinic they always plan tailor-made treatments. Before performing a root canal treatment, the specialist endodontist studies each case individually, carrying out the necessary imaging tests to complete the rigorous diagnosis. When it is determined that reendodontics is the protocol to be performed, the procedure is as follows:

1. Application of local anesthesia.
2. Removing the filling material from the previous root canal to gain access to the root canals.
3. Effective cleaning of the canals.
4. New filling with a biocompatible and safe material.
5. Temporary filling to seal the canal.
6. A few days later, dental reconstruction is performed.