Root Canal Retreatment to Give Your Tooth a Second Chance
Has a tooth that was treated with a root canal years ago started aching again? You are not alone, and it does not mean the tooth has to go. Root canal retreatment is a focused procedure that removes the old filling material, treats the source of the problem and gives your natural tooth a fresh start. At the office of Dr. Joseph N. Legg, DMD, in Dunmore, we help patients from Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Pittston and surrounding communities keep their smiles healthy with gentle, thorough and individualized care.
What Is Root Canal Retreatment?
Most root canals last a lifetime. Occasionally, though, a treated tooth does not heal as expected or becomes reinfected months or years later. Common causes include a narrow or curved canal that was missed during the first treatment, a crown or filling that leaked and let bacteria back in, or new decay or a crack that exposed the inside of the tooth.
With root canal retreatment, Dr. Legg reopens the tooth, cleans and disinfects every canal, and seals it again so the surrounding tissue can finally heal.
Benefits of Keeping Your Natural Tooth
Saving your tooth protects your bite, preserves the jawbone and helps you avoid the added time and cost of an extraction and implant. Most patients also notice relief from lingering pain and pressure soon after treatment.
What to Expect Before, During and After
- Before: Your visit starts with a careful exam and 3D imaging. Dr. Legg takes extra time to walk you through what he finds, why he recommends treatment, and how it works, so you feel informed and at ease before anything begins.
- During: Once the area is fully numb, he creates access through the existing restoration, removes the old filling material, and cleans each canal under high magnification. Treatment is often completed in one or two visits.
- After: Mild tenderness for a few days is normal and usually eases with over-the-counter pain relievers. You will then return to your general dentist for a permanent crown or filling to protect the tooth long term.
Advanced Technology for Complex Cases
Retreatment is often more challenging than a first root canal because the original materials must be removed and hidden anatomy must be found. That is why our practice invested in technology that is rarely available outside of university settings.
|
Feature |
Benefit |
What It Means for You |
|
Surgical operating microscope |
Magnifies tiny canals and cracks |
Used on every case we treat, so less is left to chance |
|
CBCT 3D imaging |
Reveals missed canals, infection, and fractures in three dimensions |
A more accurate diagnosis from the only endodontic office in the region with CBCT |
|
Endodontic laser |
Boosts disinfection deep within the canals |
A cleaner result that supports healing |
|
Microsurgery (apicoectomy) |
Treats the root tip when retreatment alone is not enough |
Another path to saving the tooth, including molars |
Comfort and Care You Can Feel
Dental anxiety is real, and our team takes it seriously. We use thorough local anesthesia, check in with you often during treatment, and never rush. Our goal is to bring world-class, university-level care to Northeastern Pennsylvania with a warm, personal touch that makes every visit feel easier.
5 Reasons Patients Choose Root Canal Retreatment in NEPA at Our Office
- Board-certified expertise: Dr. Legg is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and a member of the American Association of Endodontists, the American Dental Association, the Pennsylvania Dental Association, and the Scranton Dental Society.
- A microscope on every case: Magnification is standard here, not an extra.
- Regional technology leader: We are the only endodontic office in the area with both CBCT imaging and an endodontic laser.
- Complex care close to home: From difficult retreatment to molar microsurgery, you do not need to travel to a big city for advanced treatment.
- Flexible payment: We accept United Concordia insurance, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and CareCredit.
Root Canal Retreatment FAQs
Is root canal retreatment painful?
Most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling. The area is fully numbed, and any soreness afterward is usually mild and short-lived.
How long does root canal retreatment take?
Many cases are completed in one or two appointments, depending on how complex the tooth is.
Is retreatment better than an extraction?
When a tooth can be saved, keeping it is usually the best long-term choice for your bite, comfort, and budget. Dr. Legg will review every option with you honestly.
Save Your Tooth: Book Your Visit Today
If a previously treated tooth is bothering you, do not wait for the problem to grow. Our team is proud to provide root canal retreatment in NEPA for patients from Dunmore, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Honesdale, Stroudsburg, and beyond. Call Microsurgical Endodontics of NEPA or use our online appointment request form to schedule your consultation. Have questions about coverage? We are happy to verify your insurance before your visit. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 514 North Blakely Street in Dunmore.