Retreatment - City Clinic Marbella

Odontología▸Endodoncia

Retreatment

Retreatment is a secondary endodontic procedure performed on a tooth that has already undergone root canal therapy but has developed new symptoms or failed to heal properly. At City Clinic, retreatment offers a second chance to resolve persistent infection and salvage the natural tooth.

Doctors & Specialists:

Dr.Álvaro Díaz de Alda
Said Ramazani

Even when a root canal seems to succeed initially, bacteria or leakage can cause reinfection over time, leading to discomfort, abscess formation, or radiographic signs of pathology. Retreatment involves carefully reopening the tooth, removing old filling materials, disinfecting canals, and resealing them to restore health.
City Clinic’s endodontists employ advanced imaging (e.g., CBCT), magnification, and precise instrumentation to detect missed canals, residual infection sources, or structural issues from the first treatment. This meticulous approach maximizes the odds of successful healing.

Indications

Persistent pain after prior root canal

Swelling or tenderness near treated tooth

X-ray shows infection or lesion at root tip

Decay or leakage around old filling/crown

Crack or fracture affecting the canal

Causes

Missed or untreated canal

Incomplete cleaning or sealing

Leakage from defective restoration

New decay or fracture exposing canals

Treatment Details

Procedure Steps

1

Access & Removal – Reopen tooth and remove old canal filling.

2

Cleaning & Disinfection – Clear infection and reshape canals.

3

Refilling & Sealing – Refill, seal, and restore tooth with new protection.

Duration:

Typically 60–120 minutes

Number of Sessions:

Usually one or two visits depending on complexity and presence of infection

Recovery / Downtime:

Mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days; most patients resume normal routines soon after

Pain Level:

Low, with anesthesia during the procedure; sensitivity may follow afterward

Pre-Treatment:

Provide full dental and medical history
Avoid eating heavy or crunchy foods before appointment
Inform the dentist of any allergies or prior issues with the tooth

Post-Treatment:

Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until final restoration is in place
Use soft foods and avoid extreme temperatures initially
Take prescribed analgesics or medication if needed
Maintain good oral hygiene and follow dentist’s care guidelines
Return for follow-up to monitor healing and place permanent restoration

Results

Expected Outcome

Short-term: elimination of symptoms (pain, swelling) and resolution of infection.
Long-term: preservation of the tooth with restored function, avoiding extraction.

How Long
Results Last? 

With proper restoration and care, a retreated tooth can last many years, often akin to a successful original root canal.

Risks & Considerations

Possible Side Effects 

• Temporary sensitivity • Mild swelling or tenderness • Difficulty removing old material • Residual infection risk

Contraindications (who should avoid it)

• Teeth with structural damage or fractures beyond repair
• Poor periodontal support or bone loss making tooth stability doubtful
• Untreated gum disease or infection in neighboring areas

Safety Notes

At City Clinic, retreatment is performed under magnification, isolation techniques, and rigorous sterilization. Each case is assessed to ensure the tooth is viable to restore before proceeding.

Pricing

Price Range (approximate)

Factors Affecting Price

• Presence of posts, cores or obstructions
• Number of canals and complexity of anatomy
• Use of advanced imaging or surgical tools
• Needed restoration (crown, filling) post-treatment

Insurance Coverage

Retreatment is not covered by insurance.

FAQs

Is retreatment painful?

No — with modern anesthesia and techniques, discomfort is minimal.

Why didn’t the first treatment work?

Sometimes canals were missed, or bacteria persisted due to incomplete sealing or leakage.

How many appointments are required?

Typically one or two visits, depending on case complexity.

Will I need a new crown afterward?

Yes — it’s essential to protect the treated tooth permanently.

Is retreatment better than extraction?

Yes — preserving the natural tooth is typically superior to extraction and replacement.

Related Treatments

Root Canal

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp (the inner soft tissue) from a tooth’s root canals, thoroughly cleans and disinfects the internal spaces, then seals and restores the tooth to preserve its function and prevent further infection.

Pulp Capping

Pulp capping is a conservative dental procedure aimed at protecting and preserving the vitality of the tooth’s pulp when it is exposed (or nearly exposed) due to decay or mechanical trauma. Instead of removing the pulp entirely, a medicated dressing is placed directly or indirectly over it, promoting healing and avoiding a root canal.

Dental Fillings

Dental fillings are a restorative procedure used to repair teeth damaged by decay, wear, or minor fractures. At City Clinic, we use advanced, tooth-colored composite materials that blend seamlessly with your natural enamel — restoring strength, function, and aesthetics with minimal invasiveness.

Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy (also known as root-end surgery) is a minor surgical procedure that removes the tip (apex) of a tooth’s root and any infected tissue around it, sealing the root end to preserve the tooth.