Root canal retreatment
A typical case, in 6 steps over 2 visits. Typically sore for a few days afterward. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Root canal retreatment · Visit 1
Checking the tooth
The endodontist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to see why the first root canal has not healed.
Source: aae.org
Steps in a typical case
Checking the tooth
The endodontist examines the tooth and takes X-rays to see why the first root canal has not healed.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Reopening the tooth
The tooth is numbed and reopened, and the filling material placed in the root canals during the first treatment is removed.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Looking for what was missed
The endodontist examines the inside of the tooth for additional canals or new infection.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Cleaning and refilling
Any infection is removed, the canals are cleaned and shaped, and new filling material is placed.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Temporary filling
The opening is sealed with a temporary filling.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Permanent filling or crown
The tooth is then restored with a permanent filling or crown to seal and protect it.
Visit 2 · Source 2
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically a retreatment visit, plus a follow-up visit for a filling or crown. Source 2 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically sore for a few days afterward. Source 2 |
| How long it lasts | Typically, with proper care, a treated tooth can last a lifetime. Source 1 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep: brushing twice a day, cleaning between teeth daily and regular dental visits. Source 3 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 2 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D3346, D3347, D3348).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Endodontic retreatment. American Association of Endodontists. www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/endodontic-treatment-options/endodontic-retreatment. Accessed November 14, 2026.
- Endodontics. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16959-endodontics. Accessed November 14, 2026.
- Root canals. ADA MouthHealthy. www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/root-canals. Accessed November 10, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D3346, D3347, D3348.