Our teeth are made up of multiple layers. The outermost layer is solid and is called the enamel. The middle layer contains tissue with a sponge-like texture called dentin. And finally, the innermost layer has the “pulp.” Simply put, this pulp is a collection of soft tissues. 

It’s common for the pulp to get infected, decay, or suffer from injuries. During the root canal, the pulp is removed. But your root canal can get infected. 

Here’s everything you need to know about infected root canal treatment and cause:

What Causes Root Canal Infections?

There are numerous reasons which can cause your root canal to get infected after the treatment. Here are the top 3  reasons for root canal infections:

1. Tooth Shape

Everyone has a different tooth shape, and if someone has a complicated shape, it’s hard to detect all the infected areas. So, even if your orthodontist examined you, some areas of your tooth with infections can go undetected. 

1. Accessory Canal

Some people have an extra canal in their teeth which can become home to bacteria. So, even if you get your root canal done, the accessory canal can cause the tooth to become reinfected. 

1. Cavities

It is possible to get new cavities right after your root canal. The new cavity can cause reinfections. If your teeth become damaged or broken right after your root canal treatment, the same thing happens. 

Symptoms of Root Canal Infections

Untreated root canal infections can quickly spread throughout your mouth and jaw, which can cause unbearable pain and severe health issues. That’s why it is important to identify infected root canals right away get them treated. Here are some of the common symptoms of infected root canals:

1. Pain

Pain is the biggest giveaway of infection in the root canal. If you feel any discomfort or pain while eating or applying even the slightest bit of pressure on your tooth after a root canal, you probably have an infection. It’s important to get your infected root canal treatment right away, as the pain will only increase if left alone. 

1. Discharge

If your root canal generates discharge in the form of pus, an infection may be the cause. The discharge may be colorless, yellow, or green. 

1. Swelling

If the gums surrounding your tooth are swelling and you feel tenderness in the swelling, it’s because you have an infection. In severe cases, the swelling can also affect your neck and face. 

1. Bad Breath

Having bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth all the time after a root canal is another symptom of an infected root canal. 

Infected Root Canal Treatment

The procedure for infected root canal treatment is similar to normal treatment. Your dentist will give you local anaesthesia to numb the infected area and will proceed to remove the infected tissue. In this case, the old filling may need to be removed, and the new space will be cleaned thoroughly before it can be refilled with a new filling. In severe cases, the tooth might need to be removed. 

Generally, your doctor will place a more secure enamel crown on top of your tooth so that it doesn’t get infected again in the future. 

Tips for Preventing Reinfection in Root Canals

After your infected root canal treatment, you must take extra care of your oral health to prevent reinfections. Here are some tips for preventing infections:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day, followed by flossing. 
2. Use a mild mouthwash.
3. Take painkiller medication after treatment. Generally, your doctor will prescribe you one. If they don’t, simply take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen.
4. After your root canal, you must set a date for final crown placement as soon as possible. Delaying can cause infections.
5. Get your teeth cleaned by your dentist regularly. It’s better to get your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. 
6. Visit your doctor even if you feel the slightest bit of discomfort in the treated area. It’s better to be safe than sorry. 

The Bottom Line

Root canals sound scary in the first place, but getting one infected is worse. It’s important to take care of your oral health to prevent cavities and other issues with your teeth. 

Even if you do end up with a root canal infection, it’s important to get them treated as soon as possible. Visit Long Island Endodontics to get your infected root canal treatment today or simply to get your teeth cleaned by professionals. Call at (516) 374-3663 or visit 141 Franklin Place, Suite C, Woodmere, NY 11598.