How Is An Infected Root Canal Treated, And What Steps Are Necessary?

Are you feeling your root canal is infected? While your teeth are getting infected, the dentist suggests root canal treatment, which usually takes one or two working days. And it is a permanent dental solution. The root canal success rate is high; in some cases, we see infection after root canal treatment but don’t worry, a root canal is not the cause of oral cancer. In the modern medical system, there are many treatment opportunities to cure the infection. In this article, we will cover the reason for root canal infection and its prevention.

Causes of Infected Root Canals :

The causes of infected root canals stem from situations where teeth have undergone significant damage, often resulting from decay or severe trauma like cracking or breaking. These issues create openings that allow bacteria to enter the tooth’s pulp chamber, subsequently leading to infection and inflammation. Without timely intervention, the infection has the potential to extend to the surrounding tissues, giving rise to discomfort or pain.

Indicators of Root Canal Infection:

Pain and Sensitivity

A prevalent sign of a root canal infection is experiencing pain and sensitivity in the treated tooth. The pain, often intense, may persist for days or weeks and may be coupled with sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. Severe pain can hinder proper chewing or speaking. If you are encountering pain and sensitivity in a tooth that underwent a root canal, it is crucial to seek emergency dental care promptly.

Swelling and Tenderness

Another common indication of a root canal infection is the presence of swelling and tenderness in the gums surrounding the treated tooth. This swelling may come with associated pain and discomfort. Urgent dental care is necessary to address the swelling, preventing its spread to other facial areas, such as the cheek or jaw.

Pus Discharge

A root canal infection may lead to the discharge of pus from the treated tooth, appearing yellow or green and potentially emitting a foul odor. This discharge can coincide with swelling and tenderness in the gums. Seeking emergency dental care is vital upon noticing pus discharge from a tooth that underwent a root canal.

Loose or Shifting Tooth

Root canal infection may cause the treated tooth to become loose or shift position, indicating a severe condition affecting the tooth’s supporting structures. If you observe a root canal-treated tooth becoming loose or shifting, prompt emergency dental care is recommended.

Darkening of the Tooth

A root canal infection can result in the treated tooth acquiring a discolored appearance, turning gray, black, or brown. This discoloration signifies that the infection has reached the tooth’s root and is impacting the surrounding tissues. If a root canal-treated tooth displays discoloration, considering emergency dental care is advisable.

Treatment for a root canal infection: 

Root canal retreatment provides the tooth with a second opportunity for restoration. This retreatment closely resembles the initial root canal procedure.

During retreatment, your dentist or root canal specialist will typically perform the following steps:

a. Assess the presence of infected or necrotic (dead) tissue around the root canal area and conduct an X-ray for evaluation.

b. Administer local anesthesia to numb the area surrounding the affected tooth.

c. Place a protective barrier around the tooth to safeguard your gums and mouth.

d. Utilize a dental drill to access the pulp and root canal area by removing the filling and enamel.

e. Thoroughly clean the area, eliminating infected or dead tissue and removing any old root filler material or medication from the root.

f. Dry the treated area and fill the newly cleaned space with a safe, latex-based polymer filler known as gutta-percha.

g. Employ filling materials, such as amalgam or composite, to protect the tooth and facilitate healing from the infection.

h. If deemed necessary, sculpt away some of the outer enamel and affix a permanent crown over the tooth to protect against future infections.

Prevention of Infected Root Canals:

The most effective means of preventing an infected root canal involves maintaining good oral hygiene practices and attending regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist. Ensuring you brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once daily significantly contributes to preventing cavities and related issues that could lead to an infected root canal. Regularly scheduled checkups with a dentist in your vicinity every six months are also essential.

Avoid Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding, known as bruxism, can elevate the risk of infection if not addressed and treated appropriately. If you suspect teeth grinding, it is crucial to consult your dentist promptly for recommended treatment options.

Adopt a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a diet low in sugar and processed foods is vital. I am consuming sugary or acidic foods that foster bacteria, leading to cavities and related problems. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking ample water throughout the day and steering clear of beverages high in sugar or caffeine is important.

Manage Stress

Elevated stress levels can compromise your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections. It is essential to find daily stress management strategies, such as exercise, yoga, meditation, or taking personal time, to mitigate stress and support overall well-being.

Root canal infections pose a serious concern, potentially causing significant pain and discomfort along with various symptoms. If you observe any of the signs above following a root canal procedure, it is crucial to seek immediate dental attention promptly. A dentist can conduct an examination and take necessary actions to address the infection, including a retreatment of the root canal, placement of a crown, or extraction of the affected tooth. Timely intervention in root canal treatment aids in preventing the infection’s spread and preserving the overall health of your teeth and gums. If you are in search of root canal treatment in Castro Valley CA, Schedule your dental appointment at Castro Valley Advantage Dental.

FAQs:

1. What are the signs of an infected root canal?

Signs of an infected root canal typically manifest as intense toothache pain, tenderness in the vicinity of the affected area, and drainage from the site where the root canal procedure was conducted.

2. How is an infected root canal treated?

Treating an infected root canal typically involves a course of prescribed antibiotics administered over a specific duration. In instances where antibiotics prove insufficient to eliminate the infection, surgery may be recommended.

3. What steps can I take to prevent an infected root canal?

Preventing an infected root canal involves maintaining excellent oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and cleanings. It’s crucial to steer clear of teeth grinding, adopt a healthy diet low in sugar and processed foods, and manage daily stress levels.