A root canal is a common dental procedure that is generally safe. It is rare for complications to arise from a root canal treatment. However, there are still minor chances of the tooth root being infected.
In case of an infected root canal, detecting early signs of infection after the procedure can help you deal with it. Early detection can not only prevent the infection from spreading but it can also further reduce the complications. Knowing the underlying causes and preventative measures after a root canal treatment can help you be aware of the signs of root canal infection. This blog will help you understand these potential signs.
Table of Contents
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal refers to repairing any internal damage to your tooth. The procedure involves drilling a hole into the tooth to remove the affected dental pulp attached to the nerves. The gap is then fill and seal to prevent infection. If require, a dental crown may also be place to protect the tooth.
What is Root Canal Infection?
Root canals are perform to treat tooth decay, poorly situated fillings, or when the tooth is greatly damaged. These conditions allow the bacteria in the mouth to reach the dental pulp inside the tooth, resulting in infection. When the root canal is not performed by an expert, the bacteria may not be properly removed, which may allow re-infection. If the root canal does not eliminate the infection, the signs and symptoms of infection may begin to appear immediately.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
It is common to experience slight pain, inflammation, and discomfort for up to a few days after the treatment. The nerves surrounding the affected tooth are swollen or inflamed which may cause discomfort. The treatment also involves the use of sharp instruments that, although rare, may cause damage to the nearby tissues.
In most cases, your dentist prescribes certain over-the-counter medications to deal with the discomfort. Ideally, the pain begins to subside within 1 to 2 weeks. If not, it may be a sign of an infected root canal.
What are the Causes of Root Canal Infection?
Although rare, an infected root canal may be due to:
- A delay in the placement of the tooth’s crown causes harmful bacteria to enter the dental pulp.
- Previous tooth pain and dental issues.
- Cracked tooth roots cannot be treated with a root canal.
- Improper cleaning of root canal.
- Inadequate seal or oversize filling causes bacteria to enter back the pulp.
What are the Root Canal Infection Symptoms?
It is important to watch out for signs of infection after a root canal. If spotted early, the infection can be manage without any further complications. The common signs you need to keep an eye out for are:
- Constant pain and increased tooth sensitivity
- Tooth discoloration
- Tooth abscess on or in front of the root tip
- Chronic bad breath
- Fatigue
- Sudden fever
When to Visit a Dentist?
If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms after your root canal therapy, seek professional help immediately. The longer you leave an affected tooth untreated, the more the infection will spread.
Complications arising from a left-out root canal infection are severe. The bacteria from the affected root canal begins to erode the surrounding jaw bone. This may cause tooth removal and also affect your eating ability and bone loss. While certain treatments can reverse these complications, bone loss is irreversible.
When you visit a dentist, they will:
- Conduct a thorough examination with the help of an X-ray and identify signs of dead and infected tissues around the root canal.
- Numb the area with a local anesthetic.
- Protect your mouth and gums by placing a barrier around the tooth.
- Access the affected tooth and reach the dental pulp and canal area.
- Clean the dead or infected tissue and remove any damaged filling material that may have been trapped within the root.
- Dry the area and fill it with a filler.
- Leave the area to heal.
How to Prevent Root Canal Infection?
If you are concerned about an infected root canal, there are ways to reduce the risk. You can avoid the infection by:
- Following a dental care routine; brushing and flossing at least twice a day.
- Use an antiseptic mouthwash for the first few days after the procedure.
- Use an over-the-counter pain medication for swelling and soreness after the procedure.
- Visit a dentist for permanent restoration.
Takeaway
An infected root canal is rare. However, it can occur due to improper removal of bacteria from the dental pulp. The bacteria lodged in the pulp can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause further damage, even bone loss. Hence, keeping an eye on symptoms after a root canal is crucial to avoid this.
Get Your Root Canal Fixed at Brooklyn Blvd Dental!
A root canal requires expert precision, as any discrepancy can lead to infection. Our dentists at Brooklyn Blvd Dental are experts at providing root canal therapy and reversing a previous root canal infection.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
You can also call us at (763) 533-8669.
Or visit us at 5831 Brooklyn Blvd, Brooklyn Center, MN 55429.
