Are you suffering from pain after the root canal has completed?. You are wondering whether it may be due to an infection. Right? Or you are curious in finding out the potential problems you might get after it? Well, let us address all your concerns.
Pain, abscess, bad breath, fatigue and fever are some of the most common signs of infection after root canal. We will share these symptoms in detail below. You will also discover such potential problems that can occur at the same time as an infection. These problems may arise after the root canal procedure is completed. This may still affect the area where treatment was done.
This brief blogpost will educate you about everything related to root canal infection. Continue reading as we start with an intro of Root canal.
What Is A Root Canal?
Your dentist decides to perform a root canal just to treat the infection. This infection or harmful bacteria is causing pain in the soft inner part of the tooth. This inner part contains nerves and blood vessels that are suffering from swelling. Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus species and Prevotella are the bacteria that are responsible for it.
The pulp is located in the tooth’s center. It contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When it becomes infected due to deep decay, cracks, trauma or any other reason a root canal becomes necessary to save the tooth and relieve pain.
The dentist cleans the inner part of the tooth that is filled with harmful germs. He uses sodium hypochlorite to disinfect the area where the root canal is performed. It protects your other teeth from spreading the infection.
A crown is often placed on the treated tooth after the root canal to restore its strength and functionality. Root canals play a crucial role in saving your natural teeth under sensitive conditions.
Signs Of Infection After Root Canal
Feeling discomfort and pain is normal after root canal. But in case you develop an infection you will feel some other symptoms as well. Following are some of the common symptoms of an infection;
- Pain: Persistent or increasing pain after a root canal may indicate the infection has not been completely eradicated. It may also be due to the problem with the treated tooth.
- Abscess: Abscess is a collection of pus. You may also develop it accompanied with swelling and inflammation. It is also a symptom of infection..
- Tooth Discoloration: Discoloration of the tooth may be a sign of internal bleeding or decay, suggesting that the root canal treatment may not have been successful in removing all infected tissue.
- Numbness: You feel pin-and-needles sensations around the tooth where the procedure of root canal was performed. This indicates that nerves in parts closer to that tooth are infected.
- Chronic Bad Breath: Infection in the root canal can lead to the release of foul-smelling gasses or substances, causing chronic bad breath.
- Fatigue: You may feel tired that affects your whole body and lack energy as well. This happens because your body is utilizing energy and working extra hard to get rid of bacteria. Now, infection has overwhelmed the immune system.
- Fever: Your forehead is hot and you find out the temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. It shows that your body’s immune system is fighting with the infection that has led to high fever. Usually this happens after the root canal procedure is over.
- Swollen Tissue: Inflammation and swelling may occur if the infection spreads to the surrounding gums or tissues.
- A Bad Taste: A bad taste in the mouth may result from the discharge of pus or other infectious materials, contributing to unpleasant oral sensations.
Other Root Canal Problems
Alongside infection, the root canal can also cause other problems as well. Although these are very rare but possible. Let’s take a look at the details of these problems.
Teeth Breaking
After a root canal procedure, the risk of teeth breaking becomes a concern if a crown is not promptly placed on the treated tooth. The decay that necessitated the root canal weakens the tooth, and without the protective support of a crown, the tooth may become brittle, crack, or break. This lack of timely intervention can lead to additional dental complications, necessitating further treatments or, in severe cases, complete removal of the compromised tooth.
Root Fracture
Root fracture is another potential issue post-root canal, arising from decay or pre-existing, often imperceptible cracks. When a root fracture occurs, discussions with an endodontist become crucial to explore possible treatment options or the potential need for tooth extraction. This fracture compromises the integrity of the tooth’s root, posing challenges to its long-term viability and necessitating careful consideration of the best course of action to preserve oral health.
How To Treat Infection After Root Canal?
If the signs of infection after root canal sound familiar then you should also see a doctor. First of all you will need to get a thorough diagnosis. Then he will suggest the best treatment option according to the severity of your infection.
Following are some of the effective treatment options for this purpose;
- Antibiotics
- Root Canal Retreatment
- Apicoectomy
- Extraction
- Dental Abscess Drainage
Final Words
Recognizing signs of infection after root canal is essential for timely intervention and effective treatment. Persistent pain, abscess formation, tooth discoloration and fever are some of its prominent symptoms. These act as a savior in preserving natural teeth.
Seeking professional diagnosis and essential treatment is the best way to deal with it. Vigilance and proactive care are key for the success of root canal procedures and maintaining overall oral health. Follow the doctor’s advice and prescriptions regularly to avoid such problems.
