3 How a Root Canal Gets Infected? - Maz Endo - Blog

A root canal is a highly effective treatment for an infected or damaged tooth. They are highly safe, effective, and can help ensure your oral health stays in good shape. Despite their high level of safety, there are rare cases where your root canal can become infected. You may wonder how a root canal gets infected? Below you will find helpful tips on how to spot the signs of a root canal infection.

How a Root Canal Gets Infected?

Your teeth are made up of layers, including the enamel, dentin, and pulp. The outermost layer is the enamel, the middle layer is the dentin, and the innermost layer is the pulp. The outer layer is thin, but very strong. The middle layer is porous and is sponge-like. The innermost layer is made up of nerves and blood vessels that allow your tooth to grow and stay healthy.

A root canal is necessary when the innermost layer of your tooth, the pulp, becomes infected or damaged. If your endodontist in Los Angeles recommends a root canal, it is necessary to get one right away due to the unwanted risks associated with leaving it untreated. Root canal therapy in Los Angeles is highly safe and effective. However, there is a small chance for infection post-root canal. This risk should not result in a decision not to move forward with the procedure as they are necessary to avoid further and more serious dental issues. Consider the following potential causes of a root canal infection.

Root Canal Infection Causes

Despite the chances of an infection being very low, there are a number of reasons why you can get an infection after a root canal.

  • Additional Canals: Some people have additional canals, referred to as “accessory canals,” that can harbor harmful bacteria. This can inevitably lead to infection as these smaller canals alongside your main canal can be difficult to detect.
  • Canal Shape: The shape of your tooth’s root canal can be the culprit. Root canals are highly complicated to navigate. If your root canal is curved or narrow, there is a possibility that the area may not get fully cleaned and disinfected. This can leave room for an infection to develop.
  • Delayed Restoration: If the restoration treatment is not applied after your root canal treatment, harmful bacteria can get into your tooth and cause an infection.
  • Post-Treatment Issues: If your tooth becomes cracked, damaged, or a new cavity forms post-treatment it can lead to an infection.

Signs of a Root Canal Infection

A root canal infection should be addressed right away. So it remains important to understand the signs of infection. You will likely experience some discomfort after a root canal. This is often treated with over-the-counter pain medication and doesn’t last more than a few days. However, any pain you have post-procedure should subside within one week. In addition, the symptoms associated with your root canal should progressively decrease during that time.

People who experience a root canal infection have symptoms right away. However, there is a chance for a delayed root canal infection. This can mean that you are pain-free for a period of time between your root canal recovery and the time you experience symptoms. It’s important to contact your endodontist if you experience any of the following symptoms.

Root Canal Infection Symptoms

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your dental provider right away.

  • Pain: If your pain gets progressively worse during your recovery period, or if it gets worse one week after your root canal, contact your endodontist. In addition, if you experience any pain or discomfort when you apply pressure to the tooth or when you expose it to hot or cold temperatures, it’s an indication that something is wrong.
  • Pus: Any discharge that comes from the tooth that is green, yellow, or otherwise discolored is a sign of a serious dental issue.
  • Tissue Changes: If you notice that the tissue around your affected tooth is red, warm, swollen, or tender, it can be a sign of a more serious issue. This is especially true if the symptoms radiate to the rest of your face or neck.
  • Bad Taste: Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth is often associated with issues with the tissue around the impacted tooth.