High quality endodontic treament, in the majority of cases offers longevity to teeth like any other tooth in the mouth. Therefore, a root canal treatment may fail and symptoms such as pain or swelling may continue or return. In these cases treatment of choice usually  is Endodontic Reintervention (Root Canal Retreatment).

Healing problem can be caused by: 

Bacteria are the cause of failure of endodontic treatment. These may either have been present in the tooth and not been adequately eliminated with the first treatment, or they may have re-entered the tooth after the previous treatment was completed. Common causes of failure:

• Root canals not detected in the initial treatment
• Part of the root canal that was not adequately or completely cleaned in the initial treatment
• The crown or restoration was not placed on the tooth in time
•  The crown or restoration does not prevent microorganisms from entering the inside of the tooth, either because part of it has been damaged or because the tooth has caries again.

When reintervention of endodontic treatment is decided as a solution to your problem, the restoration is removed and also the materials from the previous treatment. The root canals are thoroughly cleaned, then filled and a temporary filling material is placed.

Then, you should immediately return to your dentist to place a permanent restoration for the tooth to become fully functional again.