Root canals are common procedures usually done to treat a badly infected tooth. They are used to clean the tooth and remove all traces of bacteria, effectively preventing a permanent extraction and saving the tooth.
But is it possible for a tooth to become reinfected after getting a root canal? What are the signs?
Keep reading to learn everything about the topic.
What Can Cause an Infection After a Root Canal?
Bacteria cause tooth infections. A root canal procedure is used to remove harmful bacteria and decayed tooth tissue, after which it restores a tooth through a dental filling or root canal.
Usually, a root canal should prevent a future tooth infection, but there are cases when it can happen:
- Failed root canal: If the tooth is reinfected, it’s possible the initial root canal failed to remove all bacteria or decayed tissue. The procedure also involves sealing the tooth before restoring it with fillings or crown, so improperly placed seals may also lead to future reinfection;
- Chipped or cracked crown: If your tooth or artificial dental crown becomes chipped or cracked, this allows bacteria present in the mouth to reach the tooth once again, and reinfect it;
- Poor oral hygiene: Root canals, fillings, and dental crowns all work together to protect a tooth, but patients have a huge role to play as well. Without daily brushing or flossing, bacteria can even be under a dental crown and attack the natural tooth, eventually causing reinfection.
What Are the Signs of a Re-infected Tooth After a Root Canal?
If your tooth becomes reinfected, you can experience some familiar symptoms, such as:
- High levels of pain: A toothache is one of the most common signs you’re dealing with a cavity or an infection. Sometimes, the pain can be present only when you apply pressure on the tooth (such as during eating), but the symptoms may also become constant;
- Sensitivity to heat and cold: Infections can cause sharp pain whenever the tooth is exposed to extreme temperatures, such as when you’re eating ice cream or hot soup;
- Tender and swollen gums: The areas just above or below the tooth can become very red and inflamed, and may hurt when touched;
- Bad breath: Tooth infection can cause persistent bad breath that doesn’t go away even after you brush your teeth;
- Tooth discoloration: If a dental crown didn’t protect the tooth, you may notice it becomes gray because of the infection.
If you notice any of these signs, you should see a dentist in Mount Holly, NC as soon as possible. Your root canal needs to be redone to heal the tooth.
Contact Black Dog Dental Studio Today
Do you think your tooth has become reinfected after a root canal? Let Dr. Koneru help restore your oral health.
Request a consultation online, or call us at (704) 703-3393.
