Warning Signs of Root Canal Infection

What Is a Root Canal Treatment?

It is a procedure that treats the insides of a diseased tooth, eliminating infection to overcome swelling and dental pain. Root canal treatments target the tooth pulp and roots. The procedures entail an invasive endodontic process that can extract damaged tissues from the central point of teeth.

Understanding Endodontic Procedures for Treating Diseased Root Canals

The endodontic treatment for a diseased root canal begins with local anesthesia. It numbs your mouth so you do not experience discomfort during the treatment. After numbing, the dentist will drill the target tooth. Drilling creates an access hole to the inner tooth layers. This way, an endodontist can start cleaning the canal.

The focus is the pulp cavity, which houses soft tissues like blood vessels, nerve endings, and connective tissues. The cleaning must be thorough to remove all bacteria and eliminate all dead and damaged soft tissues.

After cleaning, the endodontist reshapes the canal before filling it with a special material called gutta-percha. The material helps keep the tooth’s structure compact before sealing it with a dental filling. A dental filling over the tooth will seal the hole and prevent the re-entry of bacteria.

Why Are Root Canals Necessary?

Generally, endodontic procedures save natural teeth. Instead of undergoing a tooth extraction procedure, an endodontist in Phoenix will recommend root canal therapy. These procedures are effective for treating teeth with the following problems:

1. Fractured teeth – you may need a root canal procedure if you have a deep crack or a broken tooth.

2. Dental decay – a tooth cavity allows bacteria to enter the inner layers of teeth. Therefore, one of the treatments that dentists recommend for dental decay is root canal therapy.

3. Abscessed tooth – is a condition affecting tooth roots. The bacteria in the tooth travels to the roots, forming pockets of pus and other fluids. Dentists treat tooth abscesses through an endodontic surgery called an Apicoectomy.

Symptoms of an Infected Root Canal

Even before you visit a dental practice in Phoenix for diagnosis, you can tell when you have an infection. An infected root canal presents the following sign:

1. A foul mouth odor
2. A darkening tooth
3. A visible or noticeable hole on your tooth
4. Heightened tooth sensitivity – more pronounced when you eat soft or cold foods.
5. A lump or bump on your gums at the base of your teeth. Usually, the lumps feature pus inside.
6. A persistent toothache – makes it difficult to bite down or chew food.

Can A Root Canal Procedure Fail?

Usually, most endodontic procedures are successful. However, you can encounter re-infection after a successful root canal procedure. Some factors that can cause a failed root canal procedure are:

1. Delayed placement of a dental crown – after endodontic treatments, dentists place permanent dental crowns over teeth, protecting them from future damage. You risk a bacterial infection if you delay getting your permanent crown after your root canal procedure.

2. Insufficient filling material – other than a dental crown, an endodontist can complete a root canal by sealing the tooth with a dental filling. Re-infection can occur if the filling procedure is not done well or the material does not sufficiently cover the tooth, allowing bacteria to seep into the inner layers of the tooth.

3. A complex root structure – sometimes, the dentist may fail to properly clean your root canal if you have a complex root structure.

4. Dental trauma – an injury after a root canal procedure can damage the tooth, even though the initial treatment was successful.

What to Do About Re-infection After Endodontic Treatment

The initial step should be to evaluate your mouth for any signs of an infected root canal. When you suspect having a re-infection, contact a dentist near you immediately. The good news is that your situation is not untreatable. Instead, the dentist will consider a second endodontic procedure to restore the tooth.

The endodontist will evaluate the extent of the damage, determining whether an Apicoectomy or traditional root canal process is necessary. For severe re-infection, the dentist may recommend a tooth extraction.

Summary

Root canal procedures are restorative options that can save your teeth to avoid tooth extractions. Dentists only recommend these endodontic treatments when there is a high chance of saving the tooth to increase its lifespan.