Services
Retreatment
A second look at a tooth that had a root canal before and still hurts, or has developed a new problem.
Sometimes a tooth that was treated before begins to ache, swells or shows a change on an image. Retreatment means reopening the tooth, removing the old filling material, cleaning the canals again under the microscope and sealing them. Dr. Ahn examines the tooth first and tells you whether retreatment, surgery or another plan fits.
Your dentist may send the earlier images
Usually one or two visits
Other plans are explained too
What happens
How retreatment goes
The steps are like a first root canal, with one more at the start.
- 01
Step 1: Records and exam
We ask your dentist for the earlier images, then Dr. Ahn examines the tooth and takes new ones.
- 02
Step 2: Options talk
She explains what she sees, whether retreatment is likely to help and what the other choices are.
- 03
Step 3: Reopening and cleaning
With the tooth numbed she removes the old filling, cleans the canals again and seals them.
- 04
Step 4: Report to your dentist
You and your dentist get the report, and the tooth goes back for its crown or filling.
Before you decide
Comfort, choices and what to expect
Comfort
The tooth is numbed before work begins, and you can ask for a break at any time. A retreatment visit is often longer than a first root canal, so tell us if sitting for a long time is hard.
If you wait, or choose not to treat
A tooth that has started to ache again may be infected. Waiting can let the infection grow. The other choices are root-end surgery or removing the tooth, and Dr. Ahn explains each.
Risks and after-care
Risks are like those of a first root canal, and a tooth that has been treated before may be more fragile. Dr. Ahn says what she finds before she goes ahead, and results vary.
How it is billed
Your plan may treat this differently from general dental care. We give you a written estimate before treatment, and the fees page explains how paying works. This site never shows a price.
How fees work
Questions
About retreatment
Why would a root canal need to be done again?
A canal may have been hard to reach, new decay or a loose crown may have let bacteria in, or the tooth may have cracked. Dr. Ahn looks for the cause at the exam.
Can I just have the tooth pulled instead?
Yes, that is your choice. We explain the options, and your dentist or an oral surgeon can talk through removal and replacement.
Will you contact my dentist?
Yes. We ask for earlier records and send a report after the visit.
Ask for a visit
Dr. Hye Ahn, DDS, provides this care. The practice is limited to endodontics, and she sends your dentist a report afterward.