What sequence best describes the non-surgical retreatment approach?

What sequence best describes the non-surgical retreatment approach?

• A. Re-instrumentation, irrigation, disinfection, obturation
• B. Extraction, then implant
• C. Surgery, then retreatment
• D. Wait and see

Answer: (A)

Non-surgical retreatment aims to eliminate infection by addressing the existing filling and thoroughly cleaning the canal system before sealing it again. The best sequence is to remove the old obturation, re-instrument the canals, perform thorough irrigation and chemical disinfection to remove debris and kill residual bacteria, and then obturate to reseal the canals. This order is essential because disinfection relies on access to clean canal walls, and sealing can only be effective after you’ve cleaned and disinfected. Other approaches—extracting the tooth, pursuing surgical procedures, or simply waiting—do not address the infected canal system non-surgically and can compromise tooth preservation.

Non-surgical retreatment aims to eliminate infection by addressing the existing filling and thoroughly cleaning the canal system before sealing it again. The best sequence is to remove the old obturation, re-instrument the canals, perform thorough irrigation and chemical disinfection to remove debris and kill residual bacteria, and then obturate to reseal the canals. This order is essential because disinfection relies on access to clean canal walls, and sealing can only be effective after you’ve cleaned and disinfected. Other approaches—extracting the tooth, pursuing surgical procedures, or simply waiting—do not address the infected canal system non-surgically and can compromise tooth preservation.