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Root canal therapy is designed to remove infection, clean the canals, and seal the tooth. While rare, you can develop an infection after a root canal if bacteria enter or remain inside the tooth.
What Causes a Root Canal Infection?
Infection can happen when the treated tooth is no longer fully sealed or when bacteria remain in hard-to-reach canal spaces.
After a root canal, a dental crown helps seal and protect the treated tooth. If that restoration becomes loose, damaged, or worn over time, bacteria can move into spaces that should stay sealed.
A crack in the tooth can also allow bacteria to enter. In some cases, the tooth may need root canal retreatment. In others, the damage may be too extensive to save the tooth.
Root Canal Infection Symptoms
Some symptoms are mild at first, while others can become more serious if the infection spreads. In some cases, an infection develops slowly and may only be found during a dental exam or X-ray.
Common symptoms of a root canal that is infected include:
- Persistent tooth pain that does not go away or keeps returning may signal infection
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face can mean the infection is affecting nearby tissues
- A pimple-like bump on the gums may be a dental abscess or draining infection
- Pus or fluid can cause an unpleasant taste or odor
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- A darkening tooth
- Fever, fatigue, or feeling unwell may mean the infection is spreading
What To Do if You Think Your Root Canal Is Infected
A dental infection should not be ignored, even if the pain improves for a short time. If you think you have a root canal infection, contact your dentist for an exam.
Until you are seen:
- Avoid chewing on the painful side
- Keep the area clean
- Do not try to drain a bump on the gums
If you had a root canal performed at Morris Dental Solutions and you think it could be infected, schedule an appointment to have it examined.
Proceed to urgent care if you have facial swelling, fever, worsening pain, drainage, or trouble opening your mouth.
How Dentists Treat a Failed Root Canal
Treatment depends on why the previous root canal failed, whether the tooth can still be restored, and how much infection or structural damage is present. The goal is to remove bacteria, relieve symptoms, and preserve the tooth whenever possible.
Possible treatment options for a failed root canal include:
- Root canal retreatment: If infection returns after a previous root canal, the old filling material may be removed so the canals can be cleaned and sealed again.
- Crown or filling replacement: If bacteria entered through a damaged restoration, the tooth may need a new filling or crown.
- Extraction: If the tooth is cracked, severely damaged, or cannot be predictably saved, removal may be recommended.
Gentle Care for Tooth Pain
At Morris Dental Solutions, we provide thorough dental exams and X-rays to evaluate tooth pain, swelling, and other symptoms. Our team takes a careful, patient-focused approach.
Our endodontist, Dr. David S. Rosenbaum, specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the dental pulp and root canal system. He provides advanced endodontic care, from root canal therapy to more complex treatment when needed.
Endodontist in Buffalo Grove, IL
Early care of a root canal infection can help relieve discomfort, prevent the infection from spreading, and determine whether the tooth can be saved.
To schedule an appointment at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N Arlington Heights Rd Ste 160, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.
FAQ
No, symptoms may come and go, but a tooth infection needs professional dental treatment. Without treatment, the infection can continue or spread.
Antibiotics may help control a spreading infection, but they do not remove the source inside the tooth. Dental treatment is usually needed.
It may feel like ongoing tooth pain, pressure, pain when biting, swelling, or a recurring bump on the gums near the tooth.
