Most of the time, a single root canal is enough to resolve any problems with a tooth. Sometimes, though, a tooth needs a second root canal to stay healthy. Let’s go over a few reasons why you might need this kind of treatment and what you should consider before you agree to it.
Reasons for a Second Root Canal
1. A New Infection Developed
Root canals don’t remove all of your natural tooth material. This means it’s possible to develop tooth decay in the same tooth. If the decay goes untreated, it may cause a new infection. If your tooth is crowned, make sure to brush and floss carefully around the crown’s margins. This area can be tricky to keep clean and is particularly vulnerable to decay.
2. Your Dentist Missed Some Infected Tooth Material
Just as they do when you receive a filling, your dentist must remove all the decay from your tooth to complete a root canal. Because tooth roots are so long and narrow, however, it can be hard to know for sure whether they’ve succeeded. If they miss some of the compromised tooth material, the decay will continue to spread and may worsen your infection.
3. Your Dentist Missed a Canal
Did you know that not all teeth have the same number of roots or canals? Each person has one to three roots in each tooth, and each of those roots may have multiple canals. If your dentist misses one or more of your tooth’s canals, these areas may still be harbouring decay. You’ll need another root canal to clean them out and stabilize your oral health.
4. Your Tooth Has Broken
Teeth that have undergone a root canal are very weak and prone to cracking and breaking. If this happens to yours, you may need another root canal to remove any remaining roots before your dentist can cover it with a crown. Crowns reinforce the structure of a treated tooth and help it absorb powerful chewing forces the same way an untreated tooth would.
Should You Do It?
If your dentist says you need a second root canal on a tooth, you have two options: get that root canal done or get the tooth pulled. Root canals are highly invasive procedures. Your dentist won’t tell you that you need one unless it’s the only way to save the tooth.
To decide whether to go ahead with the procedure, ask yourself these questions:
- Can you afford the procedure?
- Can you afford to get the treated tooth crowned as soon as possible?
- If the tooth developed new decay, can you commit to improving your dental hygiene to prevent new cavities from forming?
If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it might be best to have the tooth extracted instead. Talk to your dentist about your options to ensure you make the right decision for you.
Treat That Tooth at Coscarella Family Dentistry
If you think you need a second root canal on a tooth that’s already had one, time is of the essence. Book an appointment at Coscarella Family Dentistry today for quick, professional treatment that will give you the best chance of keeping that tooth alive. Call us today at (519) 969-8171 to get started.
