A root canal is a common dental procedure that can help save your existing tooth after it has fallen victim to pulp infection or has been cracked or otherwise damaged. And if you’ve gone through a root canal procedure, you may think you won’t be heading back to the dental chair any time soon. However, a tooth treated with a root canal can cause pain long after the procedure, which may be a sign of a new issue that needs to be addressed by a local dentist in Wichita Falls.

Why would you need root canal retreatment?

Root canal retreatment is the process of treating the same tooth in the months or years following a root canal procedure. You may need retreatment for a few reasons, including:

  • The tooth didn’t heal properly: A root canal may not heal properly for many reasons, including poor oral hygiene, dental error, or salivary contamination.
  • New decay may occur: New cavities on a tooth may expose the root canal filling to new infection.
  • The crown may be damaged: Even successful treatment can require retreatment if you experience an acute injury to the tooth, like a crack or fracture. These types of injuries could put the tooth at risk of recurrent infection.

Locating a dentist that does retreatment

If you experience pain in a tooth that’s previously had a root canal, it’s best to locate a dentist who can perform retreatment.

  • Consult your original dentist: If you’re still within driving distance of the dentist who did your original root canal, you may consider contacting them first since they’re familiar with your mouth and the first procedure. However, if you believe you need retreatment because the procedure was done improperly the first time, you may want to look for another dentist.
  • Find an experienced endodontist: Endodontics is the specialty that often treats root-canal-related issues. As you look for local Wichita Falls dentists, ensure there is a trained endodontist on staff who can examine your case, diagnose the problem, and perform the retreatment procedure as needed.
  • Look for the most reputable dentist: Consult with trusted friends or family who live in your area or check online reviews to ensure the dentist you’re considering has a reputation for performing the procedure you need and treating patients well.

The bottom line

It’s important to seek dental expertise if you’re having an issue with a tooth that previously received a root canal. Dentists who perform retreatment can help restore your tooth or come up with an alternative to keep you smiling. You can find the right dentist in Wichita Falls to perform root canal retreatment by contacting reputable offices with experienced endodontists on staff.