Bad root canal infection

Can a root canal go bad and have to be removed? What are the symptoms of an infected root canal? How does a root canal become infected? Are there hidden dangers to getting a root canal?

Roots of some teeth reach the sinus cavity.

In some instances, a root canal treatment can cause inflammation of the surrounding sinus cavities resulting to congestion. Most often this complication subsides after a few weeks. One is the inner seal called the gutta percha.

Inflamed gums are often the most prominent sign of a failed root canal , as they may mean that the bacteria and decay are continuing to irritate the surrounding tissue. Bacterial strains cause infection by entering into the body and multiplying. After the initial root canal , the pain should subside after a few days. If it continues past day four or five, it could be a sign that the infection is still present.

Likewise, if the tooth is feeling better, but then suddenly starts to feel worse, there is a good chance that bacteria has won again.

The exact same processes apply to swelling. However, extracting teeth can be very traumatic and expensive. Many fear that a root canal can be extremely painful and perhaps a traumatizing experience. They may even be worried about a root canal infection developing.

The truth is that root canals don’t have to be that way at all. The bacteria and other dying pulp remnants can cause an infection or abscessed tooth. An abscess is a pus-filled pocket that forms at the end of a tooth’s root. In addition to an abscess , an infection in the root canal of a tooth can cause: Swelling that may spread to other areas of the face, neck, or head.

As such, teeth that have an endodontic problem have the potential to flare up at any time. Your first optiion is to redo the root canal , second option do an apicoectomy on the involved root (if possible), third option would be to extract the tooth and have it replaced with an implant, fourth option is extraction and a permanent bridge. In very basic terms, root canal treatment removes the bad parts of the tooth and dental pulp while leaving the good parts in place. Natural polymers are used to fill in the gaps left by the removal of the diseased areas. The whole tooth is then sealed with a crown to protect it from further damage.

However, if they are not properly sealed or fille harmful bacteria can harbor around the roots. Root canals are not a bad thing. If you are concerned about a possible root canal infection , set up a consultation.

In fact, with the latest techniques, the experience of receiving a root canal is equivalent to receiving a filling. A root canal fails when a tooth that has been previously treated with a root canal procedure becomes infected at the root. If this infection is allowed to continue to develop without proper treatment, the infection can potentially spread to other teeth in the area or cause illness in other parts of the body.

To the right is a normal Xray of a root canal tooth. The bone around the tooth looks fairly normal, certainly within normal limits for a root canal tooth, as shown with the arrow. Cracks in roots are almost impossible to detect at the time of root canal treatment and are only confirmed after a tooth that will not heal is pulled. The procedure essentially hollows out the tooth by completely removing the pulp and cleaning out the infection inside. Infections can hide in the miles of dentinal tubules and accessory canals.

The immune system will fight bacteria and viruses that try to spread beyond the tooth. A root canal is normally done when there is a problem, such as inflammation or infection , which can result in tooth decay, a cracked tooth or a continued need to treat the area. Undergoing a root canal helps prevent pain and the possibility of developing an abscess.