While it does not happen very often, it is possible for a tooth to still get infected after undergoing a root canal procedure. There are a few different reasons why re-infection can occur, making it essential for every dental patient to understand these reasons so they can avoid experiencing another tooth infection.
Occasionally, an infection can persist or reemerge after you have undergone root canal therapy. When this happens, retreatment of the root canal might become necessary. If that approach is unable to completely and fully eradicate the infection, root canal surgery can resolve the issue.
Infection after root canal is rare, but it does happen. And when it does, it could be days, weeks, or even years later. Regardless of how long it's been since your root canal procedure, if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment.
First, though the nerve-filled “pulp” is removed from your tooth, there are still other nerves and sensitive tissues near the canal of your tooth, and these can be irritated and become swollen or inflamed after your endodontic treatment, causing some minor discomfort.
Tenderness or pain in the tooth when applying pressure, even after recovering from treatment. Swelling after recovery or pimple-like structures developing and leaking pus in the area. Temperature sensitivity, such as a quick, sharp pain after taking a sip of hot coffee or cold soda.
If you have severe, sharp pain, or pain that's still very intense up to 1-2 weeks after your treatment, this is not normal at all, and it indicates that your root canal has failed, and the infection is still present in the tooth.
pus discharge that's greenish, yellowish, or otherwise discolored. red, warm, swollen tissue near the tooth, especially the gums under or around the tooth — in some cases, swelling can affect your face and neck, too. tenderness or discomfort in swollen tissue, especially when you touch or apply pressure to it.
What's more, if you're dealing with an infected root canal, antibiotics really are not going to cut it. In these cases, you'll need to have the bacteria removed, either by root canal treatment or tooth extraction, in order for it to heal.
A root canal infection will never go away on its own. An untreated root canal infection can severely comprise that tooth and can even lead to a systemic infection, especially in those people with weakened immune systems.
When we take periodic x-rays of your teeth, we can detect a root canal infection long before it shows any symptoms and becomes serious.
To treat the infection in the root canal, the bacteria need to be removed. This can be done by either: removing the bacteria from the root canal system (root canal treatment) removing the tooth (extraction)
Amoxicillin is usually the first choice for tooth infection treatment. If your tooth infection is more serious, your dentist may prescribe a combination of amoxicillin and another drug called Clavulanate. This combination is stronger and more effective against tooth infections.
A dentist can repeat a root canal treatment on a tooth two or more times. While teeth that undergo a root canal procedure can last a lifetime, some of these teeth may not heal properly due to salivary contamination and other reasons.
Pain. After a failed root canal, it is normal to experience some discomfort for several days. However, if you begin experiencing severe pain or if the tooth felt better and then it starts to hurt, that could be a failed root canal.
No symptoms at all
In some cases, you may experience root canal failure with no pain, swelling, or other symptoms. Your first inkling that something is wrong may come from a routine x-ray at your dentist's office — which is why it's so important to stay up-to-date with your dental appointments.
Since you say the pain didn't begin until 8 months later, it is likely a problem with either the root canal treatment (untreated root or unresolved infection) or a possible root fracture. To be sure, I would recommend returning to the treating doctor for an updated x-ray film in order to properly diagnose the problem.
Because root canal failure can sometimes be hard to see with the naked eye, radiographs can help endodontists diagnose and treat a failed root canal. With radiographs, your endodontist will see your treatment progress and if there are any issues inside your tooth structure or surrounding the root.
If you believe that your root canal failed because of your dentist's negligent care, and as a result of this you have suffered pain, further injuries including perhaps the loss of the tooth or severe distress, you may be able to make a claim for compensation for the failed root canal.
Some root canals require a secondary root canal treatment. However, when a root canal fails, a re-treatment is not always recommended. Tooth extraction is normally the treatment followed as it removes the infected tooth. Extraction keeps the jawbone from being infected by the ailing tooth.
A tooth infection's symptoms include pain radiating to your jaw, ears, head, and lymph nodes. You can experience bad breath or a sour taste in your mouth. Your infection may be accompanied by a fever- your body's way of trying to fight it off.
How can I tell if the antibiotics are working for tooth infection? If your antibiotics are working, the symptoms of your tooth infection will begin to subside. Your fever, fatigue, pain, and/or swelling will decrease. If your symptoms persist or get worse, contact your dentist right away.
Painkillers. It's fine to take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin while you're taking amoxicillin, assuming these are appropriate for you.