Endodontic retreatment is a procedure to reopen the tooth to gain access into the root canal system again. Oftentimes, apart from having to remove the core material to access the root canals, crown and post have to be disassembled as well. Once access is permitted to the root canals, the root canal filling is removed. The root canal system is then thoroughly cleaned and examined again, before filling and sealing once more. The tooth is subsequently restored with a new crown or filling and will continue to function like any other tooth.

There are several surgical procedures that can be carried to salvage a tooth. The most frequent procedure is called an apicoectomy or root-end resection where local anesthesia is administered before making an incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone and remove any inflamed or infected tissue. The root end of the tooth is also removed and sealed before the gum tissue is sutured back. Other surgeries include hemisection, root amputation and intentional replantation.

As with any medical or dental procedure, the disease may persist after initial treatment or the disease has been treated but re-infection or a new problem occurs. Hence additional procedure is required in order to support healing.

There are situations when a non-surgical root canal procedure (root canal treatment or endodontic retreatment) may be insufficient or not an option to save your tooth and endodontic surgery will be recommended:

1. To locate fractures or canals previously undetected,
2. To bypass calcifications or blockages in root canal systems, or
3. To treat damaged root surfaces or surrounding bone, including cyst removal

The treatment options and the chances for success will be discussed with you so that you can make an informed decision.