What indicates a treatment option of retreating all canals in an RCT case?

A treatment option of retreating all canals in a root canal treatment (RCT) case is indicated by the presence of a radiolucency with symptoms. This situation typically suggests that there may be persistent infection or a failure of the previous treatment, often evidenced by the radiographic appearance of a periapical radiolucency. This radiolucency indicates that the bacteria may still be present within the root canals, potentially leading to ongoing symptoms such as pain or swelling. Therefore, retreatment is needed to adequately address the infection in all canals to achieve successful healing and resolution of symptoms.

In contrast, while single canal failures might suggest localized issues, they don’t necessarily warrant retreating all canals, as treatment could be effectively focused on the affected canal only. Enamel fractures relate more to restorative concerns rather than pulp or periapical pathologies, and attachment loss is typically associated with periodontal issues rather than problems that necessitate retreatment of root canals.