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.
Root canal reinfection isn't common, but it isn't unheard of either. Root canal procedures are overwhelmingly successful; however, a previously treated tooth can become reinfected days, weeks, months, or even years after the initial procedure.
An infected root canal occurs when bacteria that live in the mouth invade the tooth pulp**, which can result from: A crack or chip in the tooth. A fractured tooth root. Damage to the tooth pulp (with or without damage to the exterior of the tooth)
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)
How Many Times Can You Get A Root Canal Procedure On The Same Tooth? 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.
While rare, an infection in the bone or an infected root canal are the most common reasons for ongoing post root canal pain. These infections can happen days, weeks, or even years after the procedure.
Once a tooth has a root canal it is brittle because the blood supply to the tooth has been filled in. It's still possible to bite down and crack the root or an existing crack under the crown may grow down the root. This may cause pain when biting down on the crown in certain ways. Sometimes the pain will come and go.
Teeth that receive a root canal and then a filling and crown last about 20 years. Teeth that receive either a filling or a crown after a root canal last about 11 years. Teeth that receive no restorative work after a root canal last about 6.5 years.
Sometimes the infection persists even after root canal therapy. In these cases, an apicoectomy, or root end resection can be performed to remove diseased tissue. 1) An incision is made to allow access to the base of the tooth. The inflamed or infected pulp is treated and the canals are carefully cleaned and shaped.
Prompt attention may result in saving the tooth and ending the pain and infection. Sadly, if the root canal fails and the tooth becomes reinfected, that infection will not just go away on its own. Either some form of retreatment or extraction is necessary to restore health after reinfection.
With proper care, even teeth that have had root canal treatment can last a lifetime. But sometimes, a tooth that has been treated doesn't heal properly and can become painful or diseased months or even years after treatment.
The only thing you will feel during a root canal is pressure from your dentist working on the tooth and vibrations from some of the tools he/she uses. Extractions are not particularly painful either since your dentist will give you shots of anesthetic to numb the nerves around the area before extracting the tooth.
A root canal infection brings severe pain in its wake. The pain intensifies when you bite down or place pressure on the affected tooth. Additionally, you may experience tooth sensitivity when you eat hot or cold food and drinks. The pain can also originate from inflammation of the gums.
When you have tooth pain such as a tooth infection, antibiotics can go a long way in helping to address the infection, but unfortunately, antibiotics cannot completely heal an infected tooth. What's more, if you're dealing with an infected root canal, antibiotics really are not going to cut it.
Breaking down the root canal data
Teeth that receive a root canal, and a subsequent filling and crown last about 20 years. Teeth that receive either a filling or a crown after a root canal last around 11 years. Teeth that receive no restorative work after a root canal only last about 6.5 years.
When a tooth that has already had a root canal treatment gets another infection, the long-term prognosis of further treatment worsens. With each subsequent treatment, the success rate decreases. So if you have a tooth that has had one or more root canal treatments and gets another infection, you should pull the tooth.
The extraction often requires drilling and sectioning of the roots and controlled pressure of special elevators. Even if you are numb with local anesthesia, the sensation from such interventions may be uncomfortable.
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.
In most cases, root canal therapy is a better way to treat an infected tooth than an extraction. However, there are exceptions, such as if the tooth has suffered extreme damage. Your dentist will carefully analyze your oral health before making a treatment recommendation.
Removal of root canal teeth are often recommended because they eliminate the possibility of Bacteremia infection entering the blood stream and causing infection to other teeth, heart, cardiac muscles and the brain. This is why tooth extraction may be suggested.
After applying the disinfectant, your dentist will fill your teeth with cement. This cement is called gutta-percha, and it will hold your tooth in its root. After applying the cement, your dentist may use a dental crown to cover the tooth.
Most dentists come down to the same consensus – keeping your natural tooth is the best option. However, if you've experienced a failed root canal and there's no way to remedy the situation, extraction and a dental implant might be the best option.