Evaluation of Previously Root Canaled Teeth
At Total Care Dental, we place a high value on preserving your oral and overall health, even if it means replacing a tooth that is infected. If the tooth has had a root canal, it may not show symptoms of infection and may not hurt. However, that infection always affects you and your health.
If you have had a root canal and want to know if the tooth has reinfected, our team can conduct an evaluation, using a state of the art 3D Cone Beam CT scan, to determine the health of the tooth and make recommendations.
Understanding Your Choices for Teeth that Have Undergone Root Canal Therapy
When considering the options for teeth that have undergone a previous root canal procedure, patients often wonder what treatments are available.
If a tooth with a root canal has reinfected, as shown on the CT scan, there are generally two options to consider:
Option #1 – Extraction and Implant Replacement
While few people like the idea of losing a tooth, it can significantly improve your oral and overall health. We may recommend that a tooth be extracted due to underlying health issues that infected root canal teeth can cause. Fortunately, there are now excellent replacement options available with metal-free zirconia implants that look and function just like a natural tooth.
Option #2 – Preserve the Tooth as Long as You Can
If a patient prefers to keep the affected tooth, there are steps they can take to prolong the life of the root canal tooth. For example, replacing any metal-containing crowns or fillings on the tooth can help prevent bacteria from thriving. Bacteria love the small electric current created by metal fillings or crowns, which can reinfect the root canal. Replacing these with porcelain can help solve this problem.
Patients can also keep their immune system healthy by taking Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K2, and swishing with a silver-containing mouth rinse to maintain oral health.
If this is the option you choose, make sure to have yearly checkups with your health-based dentist.
During your initial appointment, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of your tooth using a 3D x-ray (CBCT) to check for any signs of infection. Based on our findings, along with your overall health and any symptoms you may be experiencing, we will provide recommendations on the most suitable treatment plan for your tooth.
Schedule an Appointment with Total Care Dental to Have Your Root Canal Teeth Evaluated
To schedule your new patient exam give us a call at (801)756-3737, or fill out our form on the page and we will get back to you right away.
If you call after hours, kindly leave a message and we’ll return your call as soon as possible on the following business day.
“The doctors at Total Care Dental – along with their AMAZING staff – make a visit to the dentist something you never dread! The doctors explain everything going on inside your mouth, and how dental health affects your health overall! Michelle and her staff have created the BEST dental experience our family has ever had or seen anywhere – thank you TCD!”
Karen – Patient at Total Care Dental
