Root Canal Retreatment in Salida, CO

At Relaxation Dental, we specialize in retreating failing root canals to remove lingering infection, relieve discomfort, and restore your tooth’s health.

Root canal retreatment saves your natural tooth and prevents the need for extraction and replacement. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a failed root canal, early intervention is key to preventing further complications.

Why Would a Root Canal Need Retreatment?

While root canal therapy is highly successful, in some cases, a tooth may not heal properly or become reinfected. This can happen due to:

• Missed or hidden canals – Some teeth have complex root structures that weren’t fully treated.
• Persistent bacteria – Lingering infection from a deep cavity or previous dental work.
• Cracked or leaking filling/crown – Allows bacteria to re-enter the root canal system.
• New decay or trauma – Can compromise the previously treated tooth.

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or sensitivity months or years after a root canal, retreatment may be necessary to save your tooth and prevent further infection.

Signs You May Need Root Canal Retreatment

A failing root canal may not always cause immediate symptoms, but common signs include:

• Persistent tooth pain or sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure.
• Swelling or tenderness around the treated tooth.
• A small pimple-like bump (abscess) on the gums.
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth.
• Foul taste or bad breath that won’t go away.

If you notice any of these symptoms, don't wait—early retreatment can save your tooth and prevent the need for extraction.

The Root Canal Retreatment Process

Root canal retreatment is a more precise, detailed version of the original procedure. It typically involves:

Step 1: Removing the Old Filling Material

• The tooth is reopened to access the previous root canal filling.
• Any old filling material, decay, or infection is carefully removed.

Step 2: Cleaning & Disinfecting the Canals

• The root canals are thoroughly cleaned and reshaped to remove any lingering bacteria.
• Special medicated solutions are used to kill infection and promote healing.

Step 3: Refilling & Sealing the Tooth

• Once completely disinfected, the canals are refilled with new material to prevent reinfection.
• A temporary filling or crown is placed to protect the tooth.

Step 4: Final Restoration

• A dental crown is often recommended to strengthen the tooth and restore full function.
• The final restoration ensures long-term durability and protection.

Once the retreatment is complete, pain and infection are eliminated, allowing your tooth to heal properly.

How Successful Is Root Canal Retreatment?

With advanced techniques and modern technology, root canal retreatment has a very high success rate. When properly treated and restored, your tooth can last a lifetime.

• If the infection is caught early, retreatment can fully restore your tooth.
• If retreatment isn’t an option, we may discuss root amputation or dental implants as alternative solutions.

Our goal is always to save your natural tooth whenever possible.

Root Canal Retreatment vs. Tooth Extraction

If a previously treated tooth is still causing pain, some patients consider tooth extraction instead of retreatment. However, keeping your natural tooth offers many advantages:

• Prevents bone loss and maintains jaw health.
• Preserves natural function for chewing and speaking.
• More cost-effective than replacing a missing tooth with an implant or bridge.

Unless a tooth is severely damaged, retreatment is the best option for long-term oral health.