Root Canals Aren't Possible with Severe Infection If the procedure isn't done promptly, however, the infection can spread. If the deepest layers of the pulp become infected, it may be too late to save the tooth.
And even if decay has advanced into the tooth's pulp and root canals, there's still a good chance we can stop it with a root canal treatment. Using this procedure, we can clean out the infection and refill the tooth's interior space with a special filling to protect it from further infection.
Another common cause of root canal dental malpractice is drilling too deep in the tooth. When this happens, the dentist can cut through the bottom of the tooth. This can result in an infection, massive swelling, and the overall procedure failing.
The biggest factor a dentist looks at when deciding if a tooth can be saved is how much “good” tooth structure there is left. If the tooth is broken at the gumline and has a big cavity that goes down to the bone then there is little hope that the tooth can be saved.
If you delay root canal treatment, the oral infection continues to get worse, and it can even lead to a very serious condition called septicemia — when the localized infection from your tooth spreads through your body. This can quickly become a dangerous health situation that you want to avoid at all costs.
Tooth Loss
The main purpose of root canal is to remove the decaying or infected part of the tooth and then cleaning and sealing it to prevent any further decay or infection. If this process is delayed, the tooth can not only become more infected but can also result in loss of the entire tooth.
Not a good idea. Waiting to have one of your damaged teeth treated can result in ultimately losing the tooth. Root canals are performed as a last resort treatment option, a necessary procedure to ensure that your tooth is saved vs. losing it forever.
Here's what you need to remember: Small or moderately sized cavities are usually treatable with fillings. Those that are too deep or too large may require a more intensive treatment. Once bacteria have entered your tooth, it may be too late for a filling because we will need to prevent or treat an existing infection.
Tooth decay is only reversible in the beginning stages when it has only affected the enamel or the hard outer protective coating of the tooth. Once tooth decay has progressed through the enamel into the softer, inner part of the tooth, it is irreversible.
If a tiny portion of your tooth is broken, the dentist might recommend protecting the remaining portion of the tooth with dental fillings or a dental crown. If you have a severe fracture, the dentist offers endodontic surgery to eliminate the fractured portion to protect the dental pulp in the tooth.
Pain. Molar root canal treatments are usually more painful than incisor procedures. This is because molars have more roots and are harder to access, making the procedure more complex and uncomfortable for the patient.
This is an absolute nightmare for the patient, not just because of the pain involved, but also because it shortens the life of the otherwise healthy tooth. Thus, the patient's loss is two-fold. That's why a root canal procedure on the wrong tooth is highly likely to turn into a dental malpractice lawsuit.
If the tooth with the root canal hurts and the pain is severe or lasts several days, you might have a poorly done root canal. Look out for signs your root canal has failed: Swelling might occur inside the mouth or the face. In severe cases, there may be discharge coming from the area of the infected tooth.
According to the American Association of Endodontists, patients who choose root canal treatment are six times more likely to describe it as painless than patients who opt for tooth extraction. After a root canal, the tooth and the surrounding area may feel sensitive for a few days.
Non-removal of a dead tooth from your mouth is not wise because it can harm your remaining teeth and jaw, which is significantly dangerous. Depending on the extent and type of damage, the tooth may remain in your mouth for days, months, and even years before falling out by itself.
Bacteria will eventually get to exposed soft tissues in the pulp chamber when the decay is left untreated. This leads to an infection, which leads to excruciating toothaches. A tooth infection can spread to areas like the brain where it can be life-threatening.
It will fall out on its own after all its connecting tissues die or become damaged. However, you should not wait for a tooth to fall out.
Depending on how severe the problem is, the dentist will either perform a root canal or extract the tooth. The more you let a cavity untreated, the higher the risks of infection. Infection comes with increased pain, swelling, and other more serious problems.
Pus. If you see pus near a tooth or teeth, your cavity has gone too far. It's become an abscess that needs to be handled right away.
A cavity should be filled as soon as it is detected. If left untreated, the cavity will become large and eventually spread and reach the nerve. Once the hole reaches the nerve, the bacteria will infect the root canals. This will lead to toothache and dental abscess.
The number of fillings you can get will depend on a few factors, including the size and location of the tooth, the filling material used, and the dentist's skills. However, most teeth can safely have up to three fillings.
Some of the downsides of getting a root canal include: Your tooth's structure will change. Due to the nature of the procedure, it's a plain fact that your tooth's structure will not be the same after the treatment. Since tooth canals fully remove the root and pulp of your tooth, it may not be as strong as it once was.
If the tooth was not infected around the tip of the root, that's when overfilling is likely to cause pain after a root canal. It's rare, but a tiny bubble of air can also be forced out of the root tip, causing pressure and pain. It may take some time, but the pain in either case should subside on its own.
If you wait to have a root canal, you're only providing that infection more time to gain strength and spread. Infection can spread from the tooth into the bloodstream, and then you have a much more serious issue than a common and routine dental practice.