Dental Code D3346: Retreatment of previous root canal therapy - anterior

Dental Code D3346 refers to the retreatment of previous root canal therapy specifically for anterior teeth. This procedure becomes necessary when a tooth that has previously undergone root canal treatment shows signs of infection, decay, or failed treatment. To preserve the tooth and prevent further complications, retreatment is performed. 

On average, patients pay $1030 for this D3346 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $670 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $1300 in more expensive cities.

Low cost of living	Medium cost of living	High cost of living
Memphis (Tennessee), Cincinnati (Ohio)	Miami (Florida), Denver (Colorado), Austin (Texas)	(New York (New York), San Francisco (California)
$670	$1030	$1300

However, the price for the service D3346 depends not only on the region where you live, but also varies from dentist to dentist. Therefore, it makes sense to compare prices before choosing a dentist. The best way to do this price comparison is at Dr. BestPrice and save a lot of money. 

Dental Code D3346 specifically pertains to the retreatment of anterior teeth that have previously undergone root canal therapy. Anterior teeth are the front teeth in the mouth, including incisors and canines. Root canal retreatment involves the removal of the existing root canal filling material, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the tooth's root canal system, and subsequent re-filling to address any persistent or new infection.

The retreatment process begins with a comprehensive examination by a dentist or endodontist. They will assess the tooth's condition, evaluate any symptoms, and review the patient's dental history. Diagnostic tests such as X-rays may be taken to identify the extent of the problem and determine the need for retreatment.

Before the actual procedure begins, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to ensure the patient's comfort. This numbs the tooth and surrounding tissues, minimizing any potential pain or discomfort during the retreatment process.

Once the area is numb, the dentist will isolate the tooth with a rubber dam, a thin sheet of rubber that helps keep the tooth dry and prevents contamination. An access hole is then created in the tooth's crown to reach the root canal system. This access point allows the dentist to remove the existing filling material and gain access to the infected or affected areas. The rubber dam is placed around the tooth to create a barrier between the oral cavity and the treatment area, ensuring a clean and controlled environment for the procedure. It also helps in preventing the patient from swallowing or inhaling any small instruments or materials used during the retreatment.

Creating the access hole in the tooth's crown is done with precision to ensure minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tooth structure. The size and location of the access hole may vary depending on the tooth and the specific needs of the retreatment. This carefully created access point allows the dentist to navigate the root canal system, remove the existing filling material, and effectively address any underlying issues within the canals.

Using specialized instruments, the dentist carefully removes the previous root canal filling material from the tooth's root canal system. This includes the removal of gutta-percha, a rubber-like material used to seal the canals during the initial root canal treatment. The dentist will then clean and disinfect the canals thoroughly, ensuring the removal of any bacteria, infected tissue, or debris.

The cleaning process involves the use of various irrigating solutions to flush out the canals and remove any remaining debris or bacteria. These solutions may include sodium hypochlorite, which has antimicrobial properties, and hydrogen peroxide, which helps in the disinfection process.

After cleaning, the dentist will shape and prepare the canals to receive the new filling material. This step is crucial for optimal sealing and long-term success. The shaping process involves the use of specialized instruments to enlarge and smooth the canal walls, removing any irregularities and creating a favorable environment for the new filling material.

The dentist may use hand files or rotary instruments to shape the canals. These instruments are carefully maneuvered within the canals to create a smooth and tapered shape, allowing for better filling and sealing.

The final step involves filling and sealing the root canal system. The dentist uses a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which is placed into the cleaned and shaped canals. Gutta-percha is a rubber-like material that is heated and compacted into the canals, ensuring a tight seal.

To further enhance the sealing of the canals, the dentist may use a sealer along with the gutta-percha. The sealer is a dental cement that fills any remaining gaps between the gutta-percha and the canal walls, preventing the entry of bacteria and reducing the risk of reinfection.

Dental Code D3346 pertains to the retreatment of anterior teeth that have previously undergone root canal therapy. The procedure involves the removal of the existing root canal filling material, thorough cleaning and disinfection of the canals, and subsequent re-filling for addressing persistent or new infection. The retreatment process includes assessment and diagnosis, numbing the area, accessing the tooth's root canal, removal of filling material and cleaning, shaping and preparation, and finally, filling and sealing the canals.

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