Can a root canal be done on a tooth that has already had a root canal? i just got back from the dentist, and he said it looks like i'll have to have another root canal on the same tooth i had the procedure performed last year. is this even possible? i tho

Your : Your problem with that particular tooth is not related to your oral hygiene, but rather to the root canal therapy you had completed last year. Root canal therapy is not 100% successful in every case. There are accessory canals, unresolved inflammation, and other issues that can impact the health of the tooth and bone. Was the initial root canal performed by this same dentist? If so, he/she should evaluate the tooth for retreatment, explain your options, and refer you to an endodontist if they are unable to resolve your problem. It may also be that the restoration currently on this tooth is not sealing the tooth adequately, resulting in leakage of saliva and bacteria, which will also prevent the bone from healing. A replacement of this restoration may solve your problem if that is the case.

The : The failure of the root canal most likely is not because of a lack of care on your part. There are many reasons a root canal can fail. The key is figuring that out. I would suggest you see a quality endodontist as endodontists today, we spend much of our day retreating root canals and our specific training often let's us pinpoint and fix the problem enabling you to keep your own tooth.

It's : It's very hard to know exactly why you have been told to have your root canal retreated without an exam of the tooth in question. However, it is likely not due to your oral hygiene in just one year. As the others have explained, endodontists are specialists in root canal therapy. If you see an endodontist ask that person why it needs to be redone. They should be able to give you the best answer with all of the facts.

Yes, : Yes, it is possible that the endodontist didn't find the secondcanal on the initial treatment. The second canal needs to be treated and filled.

Re-treatment : Re-treatment of root canal is a common procedure performed in the presence of unresolved bacteremia or infection. Your home care has nothing to do with the unresolved infection of your tooth. I would personally recommend my patients to a specialist( endodontist ) for re-treatments, to ensure a more predictable prognosis.

Yes: By a skilled dentist with the right equipment and materials. Yes.