Dr.David Brooksher, DDS
Address: 1010 South Acadian Thruway, Ste. A, Baton Rouge, LA 70806
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Brooksher
    • Meet Our Team
    • Your First Visit
    • Map to Our Office
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Policies
    • Pay Online
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact Us
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Smile Gallery
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Dental Bonding
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Smile Makeover
    • Porcelain Crowns
Call us: (225) 346-8625
  • Tooth Replacement
    • Dental Implants
    • Implant Overdentures
    • All-on-4 Dental Implants
    • Dentures
  • Sedation
  • Other
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Invisalign
    • Metal-Free Dentist
    • Porcelain Crowns
Life-changing dentistry

Complete dental care, from checkups and cleanings to complex restorative dentistry and life-changing smile makeovers.

Request an
Appointment

How many times can I get a root canal on the same tooth?

Posted on October 31, 2020 by AllSmiles.

Six years ago, my dentist did a root canal on a top right molar. The tooth is hurting again, and I am worried that I will need a dental implant. Is it possible to save a tooth that already had a root canal? Can a tooth remain stable after a second root canal? Thanks. Rachel

Rachel,

A dentist can repeat root canal treatment on a tooth two or more times. But successive root canal treatments don’t always make sense.

Can Root Canal Treatment Be Repeated?

Although a dentist can do a second or third root canal treatment—or more—on a tooth, the results are unpredictable. Even the most skilled dentists can perform root canal treatment that fails.

Studies show that root canal treatment has an 86 – 98% success rate. But cleaning out the canals of a tooth can be tricky. If a dentist doesn’t thoroughly remove infected tooth pulp, the infection will be sealed in the tooth only to flare up later.

A molar tooth has three canals, but sometimes a tooth has a “hidden” fourth canal. Sometimes a canal will branch out at a right angle. And although a dentist uses tiny, flexible instruments, it can be difficult—if not impossible—to get the device into angled canals to remove the infection.

Although highly angled canals are rare, when they exist, the probability of needing a repeat root canal increases. Retreatment has a 50 – 75% success rate. And if a highly skilled dentist performed the first root canal treatment, a second one might not work.

What About Root Canal Surgery?

Diagram of the phases of a dental implant for a comparison to a partial denture.

Get a root canal second opinion before agreeing to an extraction and dental implant

Root canal surgery is also known as an apicoectomy. During the procedure, a dentist makes an opening in the bone, cuts off the infected root tip, and fills the end of the tooth. But if tooth roots are not readily accessible, the surgery is risky and can damage the lower jaw and lip nerve.

An extraction and dental implant are the last options. If you’re uncomfortable with your dentist’s skill level, you can seek a second opinion with a dentist who is skilled in root canal treatment. Or you can ask your dentist to refer you to an endodontist, a root canal specialist. If you’re anxious about future procedures, ask your dentist or endodontist about sedation options.

 

Dr. Steven Brooksher of Baton Rouge sponsors this post. Dr. Brooksher has advanced training in restorative dentistry.

Filed Under: Dental Implants Tagged With: apicoectomy, how many times can a root canal be repeated, root canal extraction, root canal failure, root canal success rate, root canal surger

Dr. David Brooksher, DDS.
Meet
Dr. Brooksher

Dr. Brooksher is a past winner in the International Smile Gallery competition of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Meet Dr. Brooksher
Dr. Brooksher Smiel Gallery
Gallery
of Smiles

Can you imagine yourself with one of these beautiful new smiles?

See the Gallery

Reviews

Slide 1

“I have horrible anxiety at dental offices. I have never been as comfortable as I am at Dr. Brooksher’s office. Everyone is really nice, accommodating, and understanding!”

Jay Alex

Slide 1 - copy

“Dr. Brooksher is humble, kind, funny, and easy to get along with. His staff is friendly, too! I have the utmost respect for his work. I've never been this comfortable going to the dentist.”

Christopher Jeffers

Slide 1 - copy - copy

“Dr. Brooksher came highly recommended by so many of my present and former coworkers. I've had fear of the dentist all my life and finally got the courage to go. I can now say for myself that he is the best—hands down.”

Patricia Madison Anthony

Slide 1 - copy - copy - copy

“Sometimes I feel that Dr. Brooksher and his staff care more about my teeth than I do. They are professional and prompt, so definitely be on time for your appointment!”

Brock George

Slide 1 - copy - copy - copy - copy

“I’ve been a patient at Dentistry by Brooksher for more than 15 years. They are always thorough and professional. Dr. Brooksher explains your options and the best treatment plans. He and his staff are a pleasure to deal with.”

Wilson Alvarez

contact
Map Too Brooksher Dental Office
Steven H. Brooksher, DDS, AAACD, FICOI
1010 South Acadian Thruway
Ste A
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

OFFICE HOURS Mon - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thurs - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday (Every other) - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm

PHONE (225) 346-8625

Request an
Appointment
Dr. David Brooksher, DDS.
Address: Steven H. Brooksher, DDS
1010 South Acadian Thruway, Ste A
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
Phone: (225) 346-8625
Pay Online
FOLLOW ME:
REVIEW ME:
Office Hours: Mon - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Wed - 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thurs - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Friday (Every other) - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Best Dentist in Baton Rouge
  • Blog
  • Baton Rouge Holistic Dentist
  • Baton Rouge Lumineers
  • Privacy Policy

©2015-2023 Steven H. Brooksher, DDS • All rights reserved •

Website Design and SEO by Infinity Dental WebIDW logo

Mobile Menu Icon Menu Dr. David Brooksher, DDS. Mobile Menu Icon
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Meet Dr. Brooksher
    • Meet Our Team
    • Your First Visit
    • Map to Our Office
    • Patient Forms
    • Financial Policies
    • Pay Online
    • Request an Appointment
    • Contact Us
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
    • Smile Gallery
    • Porcelain Veneers
    • Dental Bonding
    • Teeth Whitening
    • Smile Makeover
    • Porcelain Crowns
  • Tooth Replacement
    • Dental Implants
    • Implant Overdentures
    • All-on-4 Dental Implants
    • Dentures
  • Sedation
  • Other
    • Emergency Dentist
    • Invisalign
    • Metal-Free Dentist
    • Porcelain Crowns