Endodontic Retreatment
When a previously treated tooth develops new symptoms or infection, retreatment can give it another chance to heal and remain part of your natural smile.
Another opportunity to save your natural tooth
A Second Chance to Save Your Tooth
Sometimes a tooth that has already received root canal treatment doesn’t heal as expected or develops a new problem months or even years later.
Endodontic retreatment allows our specialists to reopen the tooth, identify the source of the problem, carefully clean the canal system, and seal it again to support healing.
Address New Infection
Treat infection that develops after previous treatment.
Find Hidden Problems
Identify canals or anatomy that may have been missed.
Preserve Your Tooth
Give your natural tooth another chance to heal.
Restore Comfort
Address the source of recurring pain or sensitivity.
Understanding Why the Problem Returned
Persistent symptoms after a root canal don’t always mean the tooth has to be removed. Our specialists carefully evaluate the tooth to understand what changed and whether retreatment can help.
Advanced 3D imaging and microscopic visualization allow us to examine complex anatomy, previous treatment, and areas that may be difficult to see with conventional methods.
Once we understand the cause, we can recommend the most appropriate next step for your tooth.
Careful evaluation before retreatment
Your Retreatment, Step by Step
Evaluation & Diagnosis
We examine the tooth and previous treatment to identify the source of the problem.
Access & Removal
The tooth is reopened and previous filling materials are carefully removed.
Cleaning & Retreatment
The canals are thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and checked for hidden anatomy.
Sealing & Restoration
The canals are resealed and the tooth is prepared for its final restoration.
Advanced Technology. Better Treatment Experience.
The GentleWave® System cleans and disinfects the root canal more thoroughly, helping preserve healthy tooth structure for predictable results.
Advanced Technology. Better Treatment Experience.
Small field high resolution 3D imaging helps our specialists see fine details for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning.
Advanced Technology. Better Treatment Experience.
Up to 20× magnification provides exceptional visibility, helping our specialists deliver more precise treatment and successful outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ask a Question
What is endodontics or a root canal?
Endodontics is the treatment of tissue inside the tooth, also known as the dental pulp, to save a tooth that otherwise might need to be extracted. Damage can be caused by disease, decay or trauma. Indications that treatment may be necessary include prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discoloration of the tooth, swelling, or tenderness of the tooth or adjacent gums. However, sometimes there are no symptoms. This is why regular exams with a general dentist are so important to catch these issues.
Many general dentists can perform endodontic treatment, but in complicated cases a specially trained endodontist is generally preferred. At Cumberland Endodontics we have a strong and loyal partnership with many local dentists, and it’s our mission to show the same level of care that patients expect from their familiar and trusted dentist.
What makes an endodontist unique?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
Why would I need endodontic retreatment?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
Why can a root canal-treated tooth develop problems again?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
Is endodontic retreatment painful?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
How is retreatment different from the first root canal?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
Can retreatment save my natural tooth?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
How long does endodontic retreatment take?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
What happens if retreatment isn’t possible?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
How do you determine if retreatment is the right option?
Treatment is generally required because pain, due to infection, is already present. The procedure will alleviate that pain and should not be a painful process. Local anesthesia is applied to ensure optimal comfort during treatment. For most patients, the feeling of numbness usually subsides after two-to-three hours. Please note that it is possible to have some discomfort for two-to-three days after the procedure. This can be treated with over-the-counter medication.
Protect Your
Natural Smile
Whether referred by your dentist or searching on your own, we’re here to provide expert diagnosis and compassionate care.