**Root Canal Treatment:
Inside each tooth is soft tissue called the pulp, or root canal, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue. During root canal treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is accessed through the top of your tooth and removed. The canal space is cleaned, dried, and sealed with a root canal filling material. In many cases, a temporary filling is placed in the access opening, requiring the patient to return to their general dentist for a permanent restoration.

 

**Root Canal Retreatment:
Most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth when cared for properly. Sometimes, a tooth does not heal as expected, or becomes reinfected after successful treatment. In these cases, your endodontist may recommend retreating, or re-doing, the previous root canal. An examination of your tooth will help to determine the continuation or onset of symptoms.
(See FAQ’s for a summary of why some root canal treatments fail.)

 

**Endodontic Surgery:
Occasionally, root canal treatment or retreatment alone cannot save a tooth and your endodontist may recommend surgery. Some situations may include:

*When symptoms persist after treatment. In these cases, the area of infection at the end of the root is unable to heal on its own, or a tiny fracture may be present.

 

*If calcium deposits within a canal make it too narrow for the root canal instruments to reach and clean the end of the root.

 

There are several surgical procedures that can be performed to save a tooth. The most common is called apicoectomy. For this surgery, the gum tissue near the tooth is reflected to see the underlying bone. Any inflamed or infected tissue is then removed along with the very end of the root. A small filling may be placed to seal the end of the root canal; and sutures are placed to help the gums heal properly. Gradually, healthy bone will grow in around the root end.

 

Your endodontist can review which surgical option would be best for your specific tooth.

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