Infected Root Canal Warning Signs

When you are concerned that you may have an infection after having a root canal performed, then knowing the warning signs is essential to your good overall health. Root canals are often a necessary procedure in order to save a tooth at risk of being lost. Even though root canal complications tend to be few and far between, they do exist. This makes it essential for you to pay close attention to any warning signs that may be present.

Why would someone need a root canal?

The reason someone would need a root canal performed on one or more of their teeth is because the soft tissue inside the tooth is either inflamed or infected. Some of the more common reasons someone’s tooth is inflamed or infected include a serious amount of decay on the tooth, a severe crack or severe chip in the tooth, a dental crown that is not working properly and having many procedures performed on one particular tooth. While some people would prefer to have their tooth pulled vs. getting a root canal performed, it is always recommended to keep one’s natural teeth for as long as absolutely possible.

Infected root canal warning signs

The following is a list of common warning signs of infection after someone has had a root canal performed on one or more of their teeth.

  • Ongoing pain that does not stop and gets worse when they bite down
  • Extreme sensitivity to foods and drinks that are hot or cold, which does not go away once finished
  • More than the normal amount of expected swelling
  • More than the normal amount of expected tenderness
  • A lump growing on the gums
  • A darkening of the tooth
  • Smelling a foul odor

What causes infection after a root canal?

A tooth may become re-infected for a number of different reasons. One possibility is that the permanent crown meant to add further protection against decay may have been delayed, giving bacteria a chance to re-infect the tooth. It is also possible the original seal after filling wasn’t sufficient to prevent bacterial contamination.

What can be done?

A tooth that becomes re-infected after a root canal is not hopeless. A second root canal may be able to be performed on the tooth. If the problem is more complex, an apicoectomy performed by an endodontist may be necessary.

Need to make an appointment with us?

If you need to make a root canal appointment because you have concerns, we invite you to call us right now. An infection is serious, and for that reason, whenever someone has an infection, they need to make an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible. An untreated infection in the mouth has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, which is something you definitely want to avoid.

Know that our caring team of dental professionals are more than willing to answer any questions you have.

Request an appointment here: http://www.riversdentistry.com or call Rivers Family Dentistry at (979) 710-2216 for an appointment in our Bryan office.

Related Posts

Do I Need An Apicoectomy If My Root Canal Does Not Work?

With a root canal, a dentist or endodontist can eliminate pain and save the patient’s permanent tooth; Two great accomplishments. Although dental professionals do everything they can before resorting to this procedure, patients typically handle it quite well. A root canal has a high rate of success for the millions of people who have it…

What Food Can I Eat After A Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal is a form of surgery that is performed under either local or general anesthesia. Therefore, you need to follow your dentist’s orders after the procedure. That includes proper cleaning, how to reduce the swelling and even the foods you eat. The last thing you want is to irritate the area and then…

What Is A Root Canal And Why Would I Need One?

If you have dealt with issues with a tooth, you may begin to explore solutions, including a Root Canal. Also known as endodontic therapy, a root canal procedure is conducted when infection sets into the nerve or pulp of the tooth and causes inflammation. According to the American Dental Association, the infection could be a…

Three Signs You May Need A Root Canal

A person may need a root canal to clean out the inside of their tooth and remove infection. However, not all infections present symptoms, and if they do, different people may experience them differently. For this reason, understanding whether you need a root canal can become tricky.While no two people are entirely alike, most will…


Related Posts

Why Are Dental Implants A Popular Choice?

Why Are Dental Implants A Popular Choice?

Many patients prefer dental implants to other dental restorations. The stability and aesthetic improvement that the implants provide can enhance one’s bite and speech, as well as one’s chew and smile. Understanding why implants are popular can convince you to speak to your dentist about getting them. Here are the reasons for the popularity of…

What Are The Benefits Of Visiting A Family Dentist?

What Are The Benefits Of Visiting A Family Dentist?

Your family dentist can provide many good things to your dental health. Improving your dental health means enhancing your general health as well. Understanding how your dentist helps can make it easier to book your appointment. Here are some of the benefits of seeing a family dentist.Having a family dentist can make dental appointments easy…