Root Canal Retreatment in San Francisco
When a previously treated tooth doesn’t heal or develops new problems, retreatment can give it a second chance. Specialist expertise matters most in these complex cases.
Why Would a Root Canal Need Retreatment?
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, but healing doesn’t always go as planned. A treated tooth may fail to heal properly or can develop new problems months or even years later. Common reasons include: narrow or curved canals that were not fully cleaned during the initial treatment; a canal that was missed entirely—particularly the second mesiobuccal canal (MB2) in upper molars; a delay in placing the permanent crown, allowing bacteria to re-enter; new decay that exposes the root canal filling to bacterial contamination; or a crack in the tooth that developed after the original treatment.
Whatever the cause, retreatment offers an opportunity to address the issue, eliminate infection, and save the natural tooth.
How Retreatment Works
Your endodontist reopens the tooth, carefully removes the previous root canal filling material, then examines the canals under high magnification for any anatomy that may have been missed, obstacles like separated instruments, or signs of fracture. Using CBCT 3D imaging and the dental operating microscope, every canal is located, cleaned, disinfected, and re-sealed.
Retreatment is inherently more complex than initial treatment—the canals have already been shaped and filled, access may be limited by a post or crown, and the underlying reason for failure must be identified and addressed. This is precisely the type of case where the specialized training, magnification, and imaging capabilities of an endodontist make the greatest difference.
Retreatment vs. Extraction
Your natural tooth is almost always the best option. It maintains your jawbone structure, preserves your natural bite, and avoids the cost and complexity of tooth replacement with an implant or bridge. In cases where retreatment alone may not be sufficient, an apicoectomy (root-end surgery) may be recommended as a complementary procedure. Your endodontist will discuss all options and help you make an informed decision.
A Second Chance for Your Tooth
If a previously treated tooth is causing pain or your dentist has identified a persistent issue, we can evaluate it and discuss your options.
Related Services
Root Canal Treatment • Apicoectomy • CBCT 3D Imaging • Emergency Root Canal