Root canals are a common dental procedure used to treat teeth with internal decay. While the vast majority of treatments are successful, there is a small chance that a root canal infection can occur months or even years after the initial treatment. In this article, we'll discuss the causes and symptoms of a root canal infection, as well as the treatments available to address it. A root canal infection can occur when bacteria and dying pulp create deep pockets of pus around the root of the tooth.
This can happen even if the initial endodontic treatment was successful. One of the symptoms of a chronic infection is that it usually doesn't cause any pain, so it's important to be aware of other signs that may indicate an infection. Common signs and symptoms of a root canal infection include swelling in the gums, tenderness in the area, and discoloration of the tooth. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist right away. Your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to start controlling the infection, and may also recommend further treatment to eliminate the source of the infection. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the endodontic treatment or perform another type of root canal surgery, such as an apicectomy.
If your dentist doesn't have much experience with endodontic treatments, you may need to see an endodontist or endodontic specialist. To ensure that you get timely treatment for a root canal infection, it's important to familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, don't hesitate to contact your dentist right away.
