Have you recently had a root canal in Jacksonville and are now experiencing symptoms that point to a re-infection?
Can root canals get infected? While it’s rare, a previously treated tooth may still become re-infected. Read on to understand why that can happen and what you can do about it.
What Are Root Canals?
A root canal procedure is a common dental procedure used to save a tooth that’s been damaged by severe tooth decay or trauma. It involves removing the infected pulp, which includes nerves, blood vessels, and other tissues from the pulp chamber and canals of the affected tooth.
The procedure helps preserve your natural tooth and avoid permanent extraction. Most endodontic treatments are completed in a single visit, but complex cases or serious tooth infections might need multiple sessions. Some patients may also require antibiotics to eliminate lingering bacteria.
How Does a Root Canal Get Infected?
While a root canal procedure itself doesn’t become infected, the treated tooth can. When bacteria remain inside the tooth or find a way in afterward, a root canal infection can occur.
Common causes include:
Improper cleaning: A root canal specialist may miss a hidden canal or fail to completely clean a curved one, leaving infected tissue behind.
Insufficient disinfection: After removing the inflamed or infected pulp, the dentist must thoroughly disinfect the inside of the tooth. If this step is incomplete, bacteria may thrive and cause an infected root canal.
Failed restoration: If the crown or filling isn’t sealed well, bacteria from the mouth can enter the pulp chamber, leading to a new tooth infection.
A Nearby Tooth May Also Be the Culprit
Tooth pain can radiate and make it difficult to pinpoint the exact source. An infected tooth near your treated tooth may create the illusion of root canal failure.
If you’re unsure, it’s essential to seek dental care quickly. Early intervention can prevent further complications and help preserve your oral health.
How Is a Root Canal Infection Treated?
A dentist will likely begin with an X-ray to evaluate the affected tooth and surrounding areas. If the infection is limited, root canal retreatment may be performed. This involves reopening the tooth, removing any old root filler material, and cleaning out the reinfected space before resealing it with new root filler material.
In severe cases, extraction may be the only option to prevent the spread of the tooth infection into the soft tissue or surrounding bone.
How JAX Dental Studio Can Help
If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or any signs of an infected pulp, don’t wait. Dr. Charles Poblenz is trained in diagnosing and treating complex endodontic treatment cases. Whether you need a new root canal treatment or a thorough root canal retreatment, our San Marco team is here to help.
For a regular appointment, schedule your visit to JAX Dental Studios online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a root canal affect my other teeth?
While a root canal is meant to save a single tooth, untreated infections can potentially impact other teeth if the infection spreads. That’s why it’s important to follow up with your dentist and monitor for signs like swollen tissue, sensitivity, or pain in surrounding areas.
What is the tooth pulp, and why is it removed during a root canal?
The tooth pulp is the innermost part of your tooth, containing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. If it’s damaged due to deep decay or trauma, it becomes inflamed or infected, which can lead to pain and abscesses. During a root canal, this tissue is removed to stop the spread of infection and save the tooth.
Why are curved canals a challenge during root canal treatment?
Curved canals are more difficult to clean and fill properly, increasing the risk of leaving behind bacteria or debris. If not fully treated, this may lead to reinfection or complications, which is why it’s important to have an experienced dentist or root canal specialist perform the procedure.
What’s the difference between a temporary filling and a permanent restoration after a root canal?
A temporary filling is often placed immediately after a root canal to protect the tooth while you heal. It isn’t meant to last long-term. A permanent restoration, such as a crown, provides lasting protection, seals the tooth from bacteria, and helps prevent a loose tooth or structural failure.
Will I feel anything during the root canal procedure?
No, you shouldn’t feel pain during the procedure because local anesthesia is used to numb the area completely. You may feel pressure or movement, but the process is generally as comfortable as getting a regular filling. Let your dentist know if you experience discomfort, so adjustments can be made.
What causes a root canal to become reinfected after treatment?
While root canals have a 95% success rate, reinfection can occur for several reasons. The most common causes include incomplete cleaning where bacteria remain in tiny, hidden, or curved canals that were difficult to access during the initial procedure; inadequate sealing allowing bacteria from saliva to enter before the permanent filling is placed; failed restorations such as cracked, loose, or broken crowns and fillings that create openings for bacteria; new cavities forming on the treated tooth due to poor oral hygiene; and complex tooth anatomy with extra canals that may have been missed. Reinfection can happen soon after treatment if bacteria were left behind or introduced before sealing, or it can occur months or even years later if the restoration fails or new decay develops. At JAX Dental Studio, Dr. Poblenz uses advanced techniques and takes careful measures during root canal procedures to minimize these risks and ensure thorough cleaning and proper sealing of your tooth.
What are the warning signs that my root canal has become infected?
Recognizing the symptoms of a reinfected root canal early is crucial for saving your tooth and preventing complications. Key warning signs include persistent or returning pain that doesn’t go away after a few days or resurfaces weeks or months after treatment; sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures that lingers long after the procedure; swelling around the treated tooth, gums, or along your jawline; a pimple-like bump on your gum that may ooze pus (called a dental abscess); foul taste or bad breath that persists despite good oral hygiene; discoloration of the tooth turning darker or grayish; tooth feeling loose or discomfort when biting down; and visible discharge near the treated tooth. While mild sensitivity immediately after a root canal is normal, pain lasting more than a week or pain that returns after initial relief indicates a problem requiring attention. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact JAX Dental Studio immediately—early intervention through root canal retreatment can often save the tooth.
What is root canal retreatment and can it save my tooth?
Root canal retreatment is a procedure where Dr. Poblenz reopens the previously treated tooth, removes the old filling material, thoroughly cleans out any reinfected space and lingering bacteria, disinfects the canals more comprehensively, and reseals the tooth with new filling material. This process is similar to the original root canal but focuses on addressing the cause of reinfection. In most cases, retreatment successfully eliminates the infection and saves the tooth, with success rates comparable to initial root canal therapy when performed by an experienced dentist. For severe cases where retreatment alone isn’t sufficient, additional options include apicoectomy (surgically removing the infected root tip), or as a last resort, extraction followed by tooth replacement with dental implants or bridges. Dr. Poblenz will evaluate your tooth with X-rays to determine the extent of infection and recommend the best treatment approach. The key is acting quickly—untreated reinfections can spread to surrounding bone and tissue, making the tooth harder to save and potentially causing serious oral health complications.
