Published September 2026

1 of 5When an earlier root canal didn't heal, the old filling has to come back out
  1. When an earlier root canal didn't heal, the old filling has to come back out
  2. Sometimes a post and crown on top have to come out first
  3. The canals are cleaned out again from end to end
  4. Fresh material is then packed back in and the tooth is resealed
  5. 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, premolar

Root canalsMajorD3347

D3347. Redoing a premolar root canal that failed.

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.

Root canal redo, premolar (D3347): what happens, step by step | TruthMolar