Face 
Dentistry If you’ve already had root canal treatment, being told that the tooth may need treating again can be particularly disappointing.
You might reasonably wonder:
Why didn’t the first treatment work?
Does the whole root canal have to be done again?
And is it worth trying to treat the tooth again?
Root canal retreatment – sometimes called endodontic retreatment – means treating the root canal system of a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment.
It can sometimes provide another opportunity to deal with a persistent or new problem and retain the tooth.
But it isn’t appropriate for every previously treated tooth.
Assessment comes first.
Teeth and root canal systems can be complicated.
The British Endodontic Society explains that further problems may occur for reasons including anatomy that was not treated during the original procedure, difficulties associated with the original treatment, or problems developing later.
Possible factors can include:
This does not automatically mean that somebody carried out the original treatment badly.
The reason needs to be established in your individual case.
Retreatment has similarities to initial root canal treatment, but there is an important difference:
The tooth has already been treated.
Before the root canal system can be treated again, Alex may need to gain access through or around existing dental work.
Treatment may involve:
The exact procedure depends on what is already present in the tooth and what Alex finds.
Previous treatment changes the starting point.
There may already be:
Removing or working around these can make retreatment technically more involved than treating an untreated tooth.
This is one reason specialist endodontic assessment may be recommended.
A post may have been placed inside part of a root-treated tooth to help support a restoration.
In some retreatment cases, a post may need to be removed to access the root canal system.
Alex provides file and post removal where clinically appropriate.
Whether removal is possible or sensible depends on the individual tooth.
Occasionally an instrument or part of an instrument may be present within a previously treated root canal.
This doesn’t automatically tell us what needs to happen next.
Alex will consider factors such as its position, the anatomy of the tooth and the reason further treatment is being considered.
In selected cases, file removal may form part of treatment.
In others, a different approach may be appropriate.
Alex carries out endodontic treatment using a dental operating microscope.
The microscope provides magnification and illumination, which can be particularly useful when working within a previously treated tooth and dealing with small structures or existing materials.
It is an important clinical tool.
It is not a guarantee that retreatment will be possible or successful.
Possibly, but not automatically.
CBCT can provide three-dimensional information about a tooth and surrounding structures.
Alex may recommend a scan where that additional information is useful for diagnosis or treatment planning.
Evolve has CBCT scanning available within the practice.
No.
Retreatment is an attempt to address the problem and retain the tooth where this is clinically appropriate.
No dentist or endodontist can guarantee that a particular tooth will be retained.
Before recommending treatment, Alex will consider whether retreatment represents a reasonable option.
Sometimes it doesn’t.
Depending on the tooth and the problem, alternatives might include:
Not all of these will be suitable in every case.
The purpose of assessment is to work out which options actually apply to you.
Apical microsurgery is a surgical endodontic procedure involving the end – or apex – of a tooth root.
It may be considered in selected situations where addressing the problem through conventional retreatment is not appropriate or where another endodontic approach is indicated.
It isn’t simply “the next treatment” after retreatment.
Read: My root canal hasn’t worked – can my tooth still be treated?
No.
At Evolve you can:
be referred by your dentist
or
self-refer directly.
Specialist endodontic care is provided by Dr Alex Brett, Specialist Endodontist, GDC no. 244328.
If you already have a dentist, you can remain with them for your routine dental care.
Root canal treatment is often much more straightforward than patients imagine, particularly when you’re in experienced hands.
At Evolve Dentistry, our Specialist Endodontist, Alex Brett, focuses on helping patients preserve their natural teeth wherever possible.
Alex uses modern endodontic techniques and advanced equipment, including dental microscopes, to carefully assess and treat teeth affected by infection or inflammation.
Whether you’ve been told you need root canal treatment or would like a second opinion, Alex can help you understand your options and decide on the next steps.
The cost depends on the tooth and complexity of the treatment required.
Following assessment, we’ll explain the treatment options and associated fees before you decide whether to proceed.
It involves treating a root canal system that has already been treated, but it may be more technically complex because existing materials and restorations are already present.
Not necessarily. Problems can develop for several reasons and cannot be attributed to the original treatment without understanding the individual case.
That depends on the tooth, the restoration and how the root canal system can appropriately be accessed. Alex will explain the anticipated approach after assessment.
Further treatment may sometimes be possible, but whether it is appropriate depends on the individual tooth and previous treatment.
Alex will explain the alternatives that apply to your situation. These may include another endodontic approach or extraction.
You can arrange a specialist assessment with Dr Alex Brett without needing a referral.
Speak to our team about an endodontic assessment
Or read:
My root canal hasn’t worked – can my tooth still be treated?
If you’ve previously had root canal treatment and are experiencing further problems, specialist assessment can help establish what’s happening and whether retreatment is appropriate.
At Evolve Dentistry in Portishead, Dr Alex Brett, Specialist Endodontist, provides root canal retreatment alongside other specialist endodontic procedures.
Alex will assess your tooth, explain the findings and discuss the available options with you. Retreatment isn’t suitable for every tooth, so understanding the likely benefits and limitations is an important part of making an informed decision.
You can contact Evolve directly for a specialist assessment, even if you normally attend another dental practice.
Explore root canal treatment and specialist endodontic care at Evolve
For independent information, visit the British Endodontic Society.
Why do dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste?
Because fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay.
It’s one of those small, everyday habits that can make a meaningful difference to your oral health over time.
In this short video, Yasmin explains why fluoride is recommended and why the toothpaste you use matters.
Simple advice, but an important part of looking after your teeth between appointments.
#OralHealth #Fluoride #DentalCare #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
💚 A little perspective from Zambia…
Carol has shared some more photos from her volunteering trip, along with a statistic that really puts things into perspective.
🇿🇲 In Zambia, there are just 450 dentists for a population of 21 million people.
That’s approximately one dentist for every 47,000 people.
For many communities, accessing dental care is incredibly difficult, and treatment that we might take for granted here in the UK simply isn’t readily available.
It’s a powerful reminder of how important access to dental care is, and why trips like this can make such a difference.
We’re incredibly proud of Carol for giving her time and skills to help people who might otherwise struggle to receive the care they need.
And we’re loving seeing the photos and hearing about her experiences along the way! 💚
#EvolveDentistry #DentalVolunteering #Zambia #MakingADifference #Portishead
Evolve didn’t begin with a treatment list. It began with an idea about how going to the dentist could feel.
Carol wanted to create a practice where excellent dentistry and genuinely thoughtful patient care sat side by side. Somewhere people felt listened to, comfortable asking questions and involved in decisions about their care.
In this short video, Carol shares why she started Evolve and what she wanted to create.
Nearly 18 years later, that original idea still shapes the way we look after people every day.
#EvolveDentistry #OurStory #Portishead PatientCare
💚 WE’RE HIRING! Join our award-winning team! 💚
Patient Care Advisor | Evolve Dentistry, Portishead
We’re not just looking for someone to answer the phone and book appointments.
We’re looking for someone who LOVES people, takes pride in making others feel welcome and believes that exceptional customer service is all about the little things. ✨
At Evolve Dentistry, our Patient Care Advisors are at the heart of everything we do. From the first friendly hello to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for, you’ll play a huge part in creating the experience we’re so proud of.
And the best bit? You don’t need dental experience!
If you’ve worked in hospitality, customer service, reception or another people-focused role, we’d love to hear from you.
💚 What we’re offering:
✨ £14.50–£17.50 per hour, depending on experience
✨ A supportive, award-winning team
✨ A beautiful, modern working environment
✨ Training and development opportunities
✨ Staff dental discounts
✨ Team socials and celebrations
✨ A workplace where you’re genuinely valued
📅 Working hours:
Tuesday afternoons, Wednesdays, Thursdays and one Saturday per month.
We’re looking for someone who’s warm, organised, confident, positive and passionate about making a difference to people’s day.
Sound like you? We’d love to meet you!
📩 Email hello@evolve-dentistry.co.uk to request an application pack.
⏰ Applications close Friday 30 October 2026.
💚 Know someone who’d be perfect for our team? Tag them below or share this post with them!
#EvolveDentistry #WereHiring #PortisheadJobs #NorthSomersetJobs #DentalCareers #PatientCare #JoinOurTeam
If you’re considering replacing an amalgam filling, you may have come across the term SMART.
SMART stands for Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique. It is a protocol designed to reduce exposure to mercury vapour and particles while an amalgam filling is being removed.
At Evolve, SMART amalgam removal is available for adults who have made an informed decision to replace their amalgam fillings.
Importantly, we don’t suggest that everyone should have their amalgam fillings removed, and we don’t make claims that removing them will improve your general health.
Swipe through for a simple explanation of what the SMART approach involves.
#SMARTAmalgamRemoval #AmalgamFillings #DentalCare #EvolveDentistry
If you’ve never visited Evolve before, here’s a little look around.
We know that walking into a new dental practice can feel daunting, particularly if it’s been a while since your last appointment.
We’ve designed Evolve to feel calm, welcoming and a little different from what you might expect from a dental practice.
But the most important part isn’t the building. It’s how you’re made to feel when you’re here.
Come in, make yourself comfortable in our patient lounge and let us look after you.
#EvolveDentistry #Portishead #PortisheadDentist #DentalCare
Gum disease can be surprisingly easy to overlook.
Bleeding when you brush, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath or gums that seem to be receding are all things worth paying attention to.
The important thing is not to wait until something hurts. Gum disease can develop without causing pain, which is one reason regular dental and hygiene appointments matter.
In this short video, Yasmin explains some of the signs to look out for.
If you’ve noticed a change in your gums, mention it at your next appointment or get in touch with the team.
#GumHealth #DentalHealth #PreventiveDentistry #EvolveDentistry
BannerText_Seraphinite Accelerator
