Published September 2026
1 of 5When an earlier root canal didn't heal, the old filling has to come back out
- When an earlier root canal didn't heal, the old filling has to come back out
- Sometimes a post and crown on top have to come out first
- The canals are cleaned out again from end to end
- Fresh material is then packed back in and the tooth is resealed
- Because of that extra work, retreatment takes longer than a first root canal
Who usually does it
endodontist. Almost always referred to an endodontist.
One question worth asking
Why did the first one not settle, and what is different this time?
Root canal redo
When an earlier root canal did not heal or became reinfected, the old filling is removed, the canals are cleaned again and resealed. It is harder than a first root canal and is billed by tooth type.
The old filling material is taken back out of the canals, the canals are cleaned again, and the tooth is resealed. It takes longer than a first root canal because the earlier work, and sometimes a post and crown, has to come out first. Most plans file this as Major. What they actually pay varies by plan.
Codes for this
D3346MajorRoot canal redo, front toothRedoing a front tooth root canal that failed.per tooth · Done sometimesD3347MajorRoot canal redo, premolarRedoing a premolar root canal that failed.per tooth · Done sometimesD3348MajorRoot canal redo, molarRedoing a molar root canal that failed; the most complex redo.per tooth · Done sometimes
Have this on your plan?
Upload it or type the lines. We read it and show what happened to other patients. Free, no account.
No dental office can pay to change what we show you.Part of these flowsRoot canal that did not settle