What are the alternatives to re-treatment?
For some patients considering re-treatment, endodontic surgery is also an option. This surgery involves making an incision near the end of the root to allow the tip of the root to be re-sealed. Endodontic surgery (Apicoectomy) may be recommended in conjunction with re-treatment or as an alternative. Your endodontist will discuss your options and recommend appropriate treatment. In other cases, a new problem can jeopardize a tooth that was successfully treated. For example: * New decay can expose the root canal filling material to bacteria, causing a new infection in the tooth. * A loose, cracked or broken crown or filling can expose the tooth to new infection. The only other alternative is extraction (removal) of the tooth. The extracted tooth must then be replaced with an implant, bridge or removable partial denture to restore chewing function and to prevent adjacent teeth from shifting.
