What happens when a root canal gets infected?
One of the things we love about being endodontists is getting to share the knowledge we've gained over the years. We also love getting to the "root" of things (sorry), and when it comes to root canal therapy, we like to explain to our patients what causes a root canal infection so they can potentially prevent it in the future. If you're curious about what happens when a root canal gets infected, read on!
First, what is the "root canal" and where is it?
The root canal is the very center of your tooth where the nerves and blood vessels are. Getting a "root canal" is a short way of saying that the endodontist is going to remove infected tissue from inside that center of your tooth. It involves the removal of bacteria from the infected root canal, preventing reinfection of the tooth and saving the natural tooth.
Put another way, when we say "root canal," we're referring both to the procedure and the physical canals inside the tooth. These canals are located within the root of each tooth, housing the nerve tissue (pulp) and blood vessels, which run from the base of the tooth's root up through the center of the tooth crown. This area can become infected due to decay, cracks, fractures or repeated dental procedures, necessitating intervention to preserve the tooth and alleviate pain.
What causes root canals to get infected?
Root canal infections generally start due to untreated dental cavities, which can reach the dental pulp deeply and rapidly. But it's not just decay that's the culprit; significant tooth damage from chips or cracks can also expose the pulp, providing a direct pathway for bacteria to infect the root canal system.
Many of our patients may have had some sort of "dental trauma" in the past that caused an infection later on. For example, say you played a sport and had some sort of impact happen to your mouth. You had some pain but you were tough, so you didn't think much of it. Then, later on in life, you started noticing some tooth pain, swelling or discomfort around one of your teeth. That's often a sure sign that a crack or something occurred in your tooth, creating an opportunity for bacteria to reach the root canal.
What happens when a root canal gets infected?
When a root canal gets infected, it means that bacteria has entered the root canal and has successfully caused harm to your root canal system. Our patients usually report a range of symptoms that alert them to the issue. One of the most common signs is persistent tooth pain, which might be sharp, throbbing or both, and can intensify when biting down or applying pressure to the tooth. Here are a few other symptoms to look out for:
Swelling and tenderness in the gums near the affected tooth can indicate an infection that's spread beyond the root canal.
Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, long after the source of temperature change has been removed.
Discoloration of the tooth, with it often turning a darker shade, is a sign that the nerve inside the tooth may be dead or dying.
A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums, often referred to as a sinus tract, can signal that there is a chronic infection releasing pus from the root of the tooth.
It's important to note that symptoms of an infected root canal can vary greatly from one person to another, and sometimes, the infection can progress with little to no pain. That's why it's crucial to maintain regular dental check-ups, as these issues can be identified early by your dental care professional. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's a signal to visit your endodontist or dentist for evaluation and treatment, aiming to preserve your natural tooth and prevent further complications.
Understanding when an infection is starting
Knowing the signs is your first line of defense against a progressing infection in your root canal. Symptoms can be varied as mentioned above, but persistent pain, especially when biting down, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers or a darkening tooth can all be red flags for an infected root canal.
It's easy to underestimate the severity of an infected root canal, especially when the pain seems manageable. Yet, the repercussions of leaving an infection untreated can be severe, with potential complications that extend beyond your oral cavity.
An untreated root canal infection can lead to abscesses—pockets of pus that form at the root tip or the side of the root in the jawbone. From there, the infection can lead to bone loss around the tip of the root, or in the most severe cases, to systemic health issues.
Not getting your infection treated can lead to something worse
A dental abscess—essentially, a reservoir of bacteria and dead tissue—is not something to leave to chance and hope it gets better on its own. There is a very serious reason for treating infections in the root canal early: the infection can travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, potentially affecting major organs or leading to sepsis, a severe, life-threatening complication of an infection. That's obviously a worst-case scenario, but it's something that does happen, so if you're experiencing tooth pain we do recommend making an appointment with us as soon as possible so you can get seen by one of our board-certified endodontists who can help you get the best treatment for your individual situation.
Diagnosis and decision-making: our process for identifying what's causing dental pain
Reaching a diagnosis is a crucial step in the process of dealing with an infected root canal. It involves not just identifying the issue but also planning the most appropriate treatment. Below are the steps we use to
Diagnosis through advanced imaging
The diagnosis of an infected root canal usually involves a thorough dental exam, supported by X-rays and 3D imaging to confirm the extent of the infection. At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we use a one-two punch of the best endodontic imaging technology out there plus our extensive knowledge and training between our two board-certified endodontists.
Discussing the treatment options
Understanding the diagnosis and its implications will inform our collaborative decision on whether to attempt saving the tooth with a root canal treatment or if extraction is the more viable option. Nearly all of the time, thanks to our extensive training and advances in dental technology like the GentleWave® machine, we're able to save your original tooth and protect it for years to come.
At West Fort Worth Endodontics, we pride ourselves on our ability to save your teeth from root canal infection
When it comes to treating infected root canals, root canal therapy is the go-to procedure that aims to eliminate the infection while preserving the tooth structure.
Part 1: Root canal therapy
Root canal therapy, like we discussed above, is a dental procedure designed to clear infected pulp and nerves from the inside of a tooth, effectively saving the tooth and preventing further infection. The process involves carefully removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it to protect against future issues. This treatment can alleviate pain and restore the tooth's functionality.
Our team at West Fort Worth Endodontics strives to make this procedure as comfortable and effective as possible, utilizing state-of-the-art technology like the GentleWave® system to enhance the cleaning and disinfection process. For more information about how we ensure a high-quality, comfortable experience for our patients during root canal therapy, visit our detailed overview at Root Canal Therapy at WFW Endodontics.
Part 2: Antibiotics
Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed to help fight off lingering or systemic infections that may accompany a severely infected root canal. Proper use, under guidance, can be a significant addition to the treatment plan. Though most of the time antibiotics aren't necessary, we do prescribe them in some cases to make sure you have the absolute highest chance of treating the infection and not returning to our office any time soon (though, of course, we love seeing our smiling patients!).
Are you experiencing tooth pain that might be a root canal infection? At WFW Endodontics, we can help with that.
An infected root canal is no small concern; it's vital to recognize its signs, seek treatment promptly, and take the necessary steps to ensure a healthy recovery. Understanding the implications of an infection and the role of prevention is the first step in maintaining a beaming, pain-free smile. If you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, contact our office today to have Dr. Nieves or Dr. Fitzhugh examine your tooth pain and discuss treatment options with you. We love helping our patients save their teeth and continue on with a healthy life!