Family Friendly & Specialty Dentists in London, UK
Root canal retreatment removes the old root filling from a tooth whose previous root canal has failed, cleans the canals again and re-seals them. At your consultation we find the specific cause of the failure before deciding whether retreatment is the right route.
The number of visits depends on the complexity of the case. Dr Neha Patel, specialist in endodontics (GDC No. 150517), confirms this after a clinical examination.
It is frustrating when a tooth that was treated years ago starts to ache again. This usually means the original seal has leaked, a canal was missed, or a new infection has reached the infected pulp space. Extraction can feel like the only option, but root canal retreatment is designed to keep the tooth and stop the infection reaching the bone and neighbouring teeth. We use 3D CBCT imaging and an operating microscope to find the cause, which is sometimes an incomplete fracture or cracked tooth syndrome rather than the root filling itself. If you need a specialist for endodontics in London, we combine this imaging with pulp vitality tests to build a targeted plan, and Dr Patel decides whether a non-surgical approach can save the tooth.
Choosing the wrong treatment for a failing root canal can cost you the tooth, so we plan before we treat. Dr Patel assesses the internal anatomy of the tooth to decide whether the canals can be retreated or whether cracked tooth treatment is what the tooth actually needs. This diagnosis-first approach means you only pay for the procedure that addresses the problem.
CBCT 3D imaging lets us map hidden canals and fractures rather than guess at them. Because every case differs, you receive an itemised quote at the consultation, before any work begins.
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A tooth that has failed a previous root canal can often be saved. We treat cases where infection has returned, where the original root filling was incomplete, and where a leaking restoration has let bacteria back in. Where inflammation persists at the root tip after retreatment, an apicoectomy may be the next step.
Many people feel embarrassed about returning after a failed treatment, or have delayed care because of fear. We do not judge anyone for that. A microscopic examination checks for hidden fractures, and we also provide dental trauma care for teeth damaged by impact. Dr Patel assesses each tooth to decide whether it can be kept or whether extraction is the more honest recommendation.
We examine the tooth to find out why the previous treatment failed and whether the tooth can be restored afterwards. If the tooth has been knocked or displaced, a luxation injury assessment is done at the same visit. We also go through endodontics costs in London and set out a timeline for your care.
We remove the existing restoration and the old root filling material to regain access to the canals and clear any remaining infected nerve tissue. This is slow, careful work under magnification.
If a dental abscess is present, we clean and shape the canals to remove the bacteria driving the inflammation. This is what stops the pain and prevents further bone loss around the root.
We irrigate the inside of the tooth with disinfecting solutions so that as little bacteria as possible remains before sealing. If anxiety is a barrier, we can provide sedation for root canal treatment.
Once the canals are clean, we fill them with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection, then place a final restoration to return the tooth to full function.
Retreatment is carried out under an operating microscope with fine instruments and modern filling and disinfection materials. The magnification also lets us diagnose tooth fractures that are invisible to the naked eye, which is a central part of our microscopic examination.
Alongside retreatment, our endodontic work includes apicoectomy, cracked tooth treatment, dental trauma care and luxation management. The practice is led by Dr Ope Sodeinde, GDC-registered specialist periodontist (GDC No. 104071).
People seeking a second opinion on a failed root canal usually want a clinician who will be straight with them about the long-term outcome of the tooth. We give honest options without pressure. If a non-surgical approach is not viable, we can discuss an apicoectomy to address persistent inflammation at the root tip.
A few months after a failed re-root canal treatment at a different Dental Surgery I started looking for a Dentist that I can trust and from speaking to Dr Ope I felt that he was trustworthy as he really cared.
Fees depend on the complexity of the infection and the condition of the tooth. We confirm the exact cost at the consultation, after the examination.
Retreatment often needs more than one visit because old material has to be removed before the canals can be cleaned. Dr Patel gives you a timeline at the assessment.
Retreatment is done under local anaesthetic. If you are anxious, we can discuss further options to make the appointment manageable.
That depends on how much sound tooth remains and on your oral health. Our root canal aftercare guide explains how to protect the result. If the tooth cannot be saved, we can discuss a dental implant when the tooth cannot be saved.
Whether the tooth can be kept is decided at the first visit, when Dr Patel examines the root structure to see whether the previous filling has failed or a new infection has developed. You can read what happens at your root canal consultation and how to book to get a clear clinical opinion.
020 7589 7792
Your assessment tells you whether you are suitable for retreatment and what to expect from the result. A 3D scan maps the internal anatomy of the tooth so we can see why the previous treatment failed, and a microscopic examination checks for hidden fractures. The costs page, the aftercare guide, and the apicoectomy and cracked tooth pages linked above cover the related questions in more detail.
You receive a written plan and itemised quote for your retreatment, which is yours to keep and use at any other practice. You can arrange your assessment with Dr Patel to find out whether this procedure is right for you. The consultation fee is £195 and goes towards your treatment if you proceed. Payment particulars can be discussed with our staff.
020 7589 7792
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111 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR
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