Understanding Root Canal Treatment and the Risk of Infection
A root canal is a dental procedure that removes the pulp (soft center of the tooth) that has been injured, inflamed, or infected. While root canals are prevalent procedures, root canal reinfections are less common — but are still possible.
If you’ve had a root canal and think you may be experiencing a recurrent infection, Brian D. Hall, DDS, shares what can cause the infection, as well as what to be on the lookout for and when you should contact your dentist.
What Can Cause a Root Canal Infection or Reinfected Tooth?
Aside from the reasons for needing a root canal in the first place, there are many possible factors for how a root canal can become reinfected post-treatment. Some of those instances include but are not limited to:
- Bacteria entering back into the cleaned root canal system via recurrent decay, defective restorations on the top of the tooth or deeper cracks which can harbor bacteria leading to recontamination of the system.
- Extra accessory canals in the tooth could be storing residual tissue or bacteria — leading to possible contamination and reinfection of the tooth.
- The curved/narrow canals of the tooth may not have been adequately cleaned during the procedure.
- If the shape of the root canal was unique, tissue and/or bacteria could be left behind during the procedure.
What are the Signs of a Root Canal Infection?
If you feel as if you have a root canal infection, there are a few common signs and symptoms to be aware of. That said, know that mild discomfort immediately after your root canal procedure is standard — as well as experiencing some minor pains a few days after.
However, some signs that warrant a trip to your dentist include, but are not limited to:
- If you feel excruciating pain after a week has passed since your procedure
- Having an abnormally bad smell in your breath or an unsettling taste in your mouth
- Any sensitivity near the tooth — such as warm, swollen tissue
- A green, yellow, or colorless discharge of pus from the tooth or area near the tooth
Sometimes, it’s possible that a root canal may not have fully healed and could lead to a recurrent infection. Although the success rate of a root canal is over 90%, a treated tooth could still experience a recurrent infection months or even years down the road. This is why it is important to always see your general dentist for regular check ups so they are able to closely monitor for any issues that may arise.
Also, something to keep in mind: If a root canal infection is not taken care of right away, the infection could lead to a more serious problem.
Expert Root Canal Procedure and Dental Care in Frederick, Maryland
With over 20 years of experience, Brian Hall, DDS, has been Frederick’s go-to endodontic care professional for root canals. With a fun, welcoming office decked out in music memorabilia, you’ll instantly feel at ease walking through the door. To schedule an appointment with Brian Hall, DDS, contact us today at (301) 696-2000 or fill out a simple form online.
FAQ About Infected Root Canal
What happens if a root canal gets infected?
If a root canal gets infected, bacteria can multiply inside the tooth, leading to severe pain, inflammation, and infected tissue around the tooth root. Left untreated, this infection can spread to surrounding areas of the mouth, potentially causing serious oral health problems, tooth loss, or even systemic infection. It’s important to seek dental care as soon as symptoms appear to prevent complications.
Can antibiotics heal an infected root canal?
Antibiotics may temporarily reduce inflammation and tooth pain from an infected root canal, but they cannot eliminate the infection inside the tooth. Since the infected pulp and bacteria are sealed off inside the tooth root, only root canal retreatment or other dental procedures can effectively clean out the infected pulp and remove the source of infection. Antibiotics are sometimes used in conjunction with treatment but are not a standalone cure.
Is an infected root canal an emergency?
Yes, an infected root canal can be considered a dental emergency, especially if there is severe pain, visible swelling, or pus discharge around the affected tooth. These are common signs of a serious root canal infection that needs treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection can spread to surrounding tissues and impact overall oral health.
Can an infected root canal be saved?
In many cases, a tooth treated with a root canal can still be saved through root canal retreatment. A dentist or endodontist can remove the old root canal filling, disinfect the canal, and reseal it using new filling material. However, if the infection has spread too far or the tooth is severely damaged, other treatment options such as extraction may be necessary. Early diagnosis improves the chances of saving the tooth.
How do dentists fix an infected root canal?
To treat a root canal infection, a dentist typically performs root canal retreatment. This involves removing the previous root canal filling, cleaning out the infected tissue, and flushing the canal to eliminate bacteria. After disinfecting, the tooth root is sealed again with filling material and may be restored with a crown. In complex cases, an apicoectomy (surgical removal of the root tip) may be required to treat a failed root canal.
How long does an infected root canal take to harm you?
An infected root canal can start causing damage shortly after bacteria infect the pulp or tooth root. In some cases, symptoms of a root canal infection like tooth pain or swelling appear quickly, while in others, the infection may develop slowly and go unnoticed for weeks or even months. However, left untreated, it can lead to bone loss, abscess formation, and infection spread to other parts of the body. Always seek dental treatment as soon as you notice warning signs.