With proper care, teeth that have undergone endodontic treatment can last as long as natural teeth. However, in some cases, a treated tooth may fail to heal or pain may persist, even months or years after the initial treatment. When this occurs, Endodontic Retreatment may be necessary.

Although rare, a tooth that initially responds well to root canal therapy may later develop pain or infection. In such cases, the tooth can often be successfully preserved through a second endodontic procedure.

New trauma, deep decay, or a loose, cracked, or broken filling can cause new infection in your tooth. In some cases, the endodontist may discover additional very narrow or curved canals that could not be treated during the initial procedure.

We recommend that you call your restorative dentist as soon as possible to make your follow-up appointment. Dentists' schedules tend to book quickly. It is recommended that you have your permanent restoration placed 2-3 weeks after your root canal treatment to allow healing to take place, but not longer than one month after the procedure. This step is imperative for the long-term prognosis of your tooth.

The temporary filling placed in the biting surface of your tooth is designed to last ideally two to four weeks, not longer than six to eight weeks. It is crucial to see your general dentist for a permanent restoration. Waiting longer than eight weeks can cause your temporary filling to leak, thus contaminating your newly completed root canal therapy.