It sometimes happens that a previously root-treated tooth needs to be retreated because it has become reinfected.
An infection of a root canal filling can even remain unnoticed and symptom-free for a while.
Sooner or later, however, if the root filling does not “seal” properly, bacteria that have entered the canal—or have not been removed from it—will cause inflammation, pain, and swelling.
The goal of the treatment is to remove the bacteria that have entered or remained in the root canals and to prevent reinfection by sealing the canal system hermetically.
To achieve this, we first remove the old root canal filling and then look for any canals that may have previously gone undetected. We further enlarge the root canal through mechanical preparation and nearly sterilize the canal system with disinfectant irrigation.
After this, there is typically a 1–6 week pause. If no symptoms occur during this period, the canals are then hermetically sealed.
In other words, the goal is: no bacteria in or out!
This ensures the long-term preservation and perfect function of the tooth.
Regular check-up appointments—after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months—are essential to monitor the healing around the root.