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Morianstraße 10, 42103 Wuppertal
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Root Canal Retreatment in Wuppertal

Has a root-treated tooth started hurting again, or does an X-ray show inflammation? In Wuppertal we use microscope endodontics — and 3D imaging where there is a justified reason for it — to work out whether a retreatment (Revision) makes sense, or whether another solution would be the more honest answer.
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What is a root canal retreatment?

A retreatment (Revision) means repeating a root canal treatment that has already been done. When a root-treated tooth starts causing trouble again, or inflammation reappears at the root tip, it is usually because bacteria have been left behind in the fine canals, or because one canal was not fully reached the first time. In a retreatment the old root filling is removed, the canal system is cleaned and disinfected again under the microscope and then sealed anew. The aim is to calm the inflammation and keep your own tooth rather than extract it. Whether that succeeds in an individual case cannot be guaranteed — we go through the prospects honestly with you beforehand.

Retreatment or extraction?

Your own tooth stays in place

With a retreatment we try to keep your natural tooth. No replacement works quite like your own tooth — which is why, as a rule, we look at keeping it before we talk about taking it out.

What an extraction means

If the tooth is extracted, a gap is left that usually has to be restored later with an implant, a bridge or a denture. That is often more involved and more expensive than trying to save your own tooth.

When a retreatment makes sense

If the tooth still has enough sound structure and the canal system can be reached, a retreatment is often the sensible first step. For badly broken down or loose teeth, extraction can be the more honest answer.

We weigh it up honestly

Using the microscope and 3D imaging we assess the prospects realistically and take the time to discuss the benefits and limits of both routes — with no pressure and without promising a result we cannot deliver. If it helps, we can do all of this in English.

Signs that a retreatment may be needed

A root-treated tooth should normally settle down and stay quiet. If these signs appear, it can mean the first treatment has not fully healed — have it checked soon.
Pain returning in the tooth
A root-treated tooth starts throbbing, aching or hurting again — a sign that the inflammation has not fully settled.
Pain on pressure and when biting
Der Zahn tut beim Zubeißen oder bei Berührung weh oder fühlt sich „zu hoch“ an. Das kann auf eine erneute Entzündung an der Wurzelspitze hindeuten.
Schwellung oder „Pickel“ am Zahnfleisch
Recurring swelling or a small pus-filled blister on the gum above the treated tooth points to inflammation around the root — please have it looked at soon.
A finding on the X-ray
An X-ray shows a dark area at the root tip, sometimes with no symptoms at all. That can be a sign of ongoing inflammation.
An unpleasant taste or smell
A persistent bad taste or smell around the treated tooth can indicate bacteria left behind in the canal system.

How a retreatment works

Transparent, under the microscope and with as little discomfort as possible — with sedation or nitrous oxide if you would like it. You know in advance what to expect.

  • Diagnosis and 3D image

    First we examine the tooth closely, often with a 3D scan (CBCT, in German DVT), taken where there is a justified medical reason. That shows us why the first treatment did not hold and whether a retreatment has a realistic chance.

  • An honest consultation

    We talk through the prospects and the alternatives with you. If the tooth can probably be kept, we plan the retreatment — if not, we say so openly.

  • Anaesthetic and access

    The tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic so the treatment is largely free of discomfort. We then open the tooth and expose the old root filling.

  • Removing the old filling

    Under the microscope we carefully remove the existing root filling material and search specifically for canals that may not have been reached the first time.

  • Cleaning and disinfecting

    The canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped and disinfected to remove as much of the bacteria as possible. Often a medicated dressing is placed in between appointments.

  • Sealing and protecting

    Finally we fill the canals tightly and close the tooth. To protect it, it is often stabilised with a crown — we advise you individually on that.

Moderne Zahnarztpraxis

We combine modern imaging and computer-aided planning with a patient-centred approach. That keeps every step transparent and gentle on the tissue — matched to your findings.
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When a retreatment makes sense

„Eine Revision lohnt sich, wenn der Zahn noch genug gesunde Substanz hat und wir das Kanalsystem erreichen können. Garantieren lässt sich der Erfolg nie – aber unter dem Mikroskop finden wir oft die Ursache, die beim ersten Mal verborgen geblieben ist. Wir versuchen in der Regel zuerst, den eigenen Zahn zu retten, und sagen offen, wenn die Aussichten dafür zu gering sind.“
Veniamin Tsypin
Owner & Dentist, Zahnarztpraxis Tsypin Wuppertal

Frequently asked questions about retreatment

Honest answers to what patients ask most often when a root canal treatment starts causing problems again.

Still have questions?

Reachable Mo–Fr by phone and chat, 09:00–18:00

A retreatment can become necessary if symptoms persist, inflammation returns or old root fillings are no longer sealed. More on this: When does a root canal treatment have to be repeated?

The reasons can include hidden canals, leaking fillings, old crown margins or bacteria colonising the tooth again. More on this: Why does a root canal treatment fail?

If there is enough tooth structure left, as a rule we look at keeping the tooth first; sometimes, though, extraction is the more honest answer. More on this: Retreatment or extraction?

In a retreatment the old root filling is removed, the canal system is cleaned again and then sealed tightly once more. More on this: How does a retreatment work?

The cost depends on how many canals are involved, how complex the treatment is and whether additional imaging is needed. These are guide values only; the binding figure is the one in your written treatment and cost plan (Heil- und Kostenplan). More on this: What does a retreatment cost?

As a rule the tooth is numbed with a local anaesthetic, so most people find the treatment manageable; if you are anxious, we calmly go through the additional options beforehand. More on this: Does a retreatment hurt?.

The prospects depend a great deal on the condition of the tooth, the extent of the inflammation and how accessible the canals are. More on this: What are the chances of success?.

The microscope helps us see fine canal structures, remnants of old filling material or hidden areas far more clearly. More on this: Retreatment under the microscope

It can be advisable when the tooth is still stable and the cause of the inflammation looks treatable. More on this: When is a retreatment advisable?

Sometimes it can — what matters is the findings, the remaining tooth structure, the state of the bone and the cause of the inflammation. More on this: Can an infected tooth be saved?

Second opinion on dental implants

If you already have a plan or a CBCT scan (DVT), we review the proposed treatment, explain the alternatives and go through costs, choice of materials and surgical technique in plain language
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