When a tooth infection moves deep within the tooth, it can only be treated with a root canal – a basic filling isn’t sufficient. In many situations, the root canal treatment is effective in removing the infection and saving your tooth.
But it’s possible for a tooth treated with a root canal to become re-infected later. Even with a successful root canal, there are times when another infection develops later on. In this situation, it’s critical that you seek endodontic treatment as soon as possible. Serious complications can develop if an infected root canal tooth is left untreated.
Not only is the tooth in danger when an infection goes untreated, but the infection can spread and result in systemic health issues.
Infected Root Canal: What You Need to Know
Each tooth is structured with a root that sits in the jawbone, hidden from view since it is under the gumline. Then, the crown of the tooth is the visible part that you can see. If a root canal is needed, then the dentist drills into the crown to access the inner portion of the root. The outer structure of the tooth can be left in place and specialized endodontic techniques are used to clean out the inner section. It’s necessary to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth before it is fitted with a crown (or other restoration).
The pulp chamber is filled with softer tissue compared to the harder enamel on the outside of the tooth. If bacteria move into this part of the tooth, then it can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. This type of infection won’t go away without a dental treatment, such as a root canal.
While a root canal is often sufficient to clear up the infection, there’s a risk of it becoming reinfected later on. Some of the most common causes of a root canal filling infection include:
- Improper or incomplete treatment when the original root canal was performed.
- New decay in the remaining portion of the tooth.
- Fractures or cracks in the tooth, creating an opening where bacteria can move into the tooth again.
- Problems with dental restorations, such as a broken or loose crown.
If you have a tooth infection on root canal, then it means that bacteria have reinvaded the tooth and caused it to become compromised.
How Can You Tell If You Have an Infected Root Canal?
If an infection develops in a tooth that has been treated with a root canal, then you might notice different warning signs. How do you know if a root canal infection has spread? Call your dentist right away if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Tooth pain
- Tooth sensitivity to pressure or temperature
- Swelling in the gums surrounding the tooth
- The formation of an abscess
- Bleeding and/or drainage from the gums
Some of these symptoms might mimic the symptoms you had when the original tooth infection occurred. Or, an infected root canal can cause different symptoms, depending on the severity of the infection.
What Happens If Your Root Canal Gets Infected Years Later?
While the hope is that a tooth treated with a root canal will have no complications, there is always a risk of this secondary infection occurring years later. It’s critical that you seek dental treatment as soon as possible. Not only does an untreated root canal infection cause immediate and localized symptoms, but the infection could also spread and cause systemic problems.
Local complications of an infected root canal might include:
- Ongoing pain and toothache
- Swelling and irritated gums
- Recurring abscesses and pockets of infection
Eventually, the ongoing infection can result in bone loss, which not only affects the infected tooth but can also impact surrounding teeth as well. If the bone loss and infection progress, then it can lead to tooth loss because there isn’t a strong enough foundation to hold the teeth in place.
Can a Root Canal Infection Make You Sick?
The unfortunate reality is that a root canal infection can make you very sick, especially if it is left untreated. The bacteria from the mouth infection can spread through the bloodstream and reach other organs and areas of the body. When the infection continues to spread and grow, it can lead to severe infections throughout the body.
Additionally, there is a link between untreated dental infections and the risk of cardiovascular issues. If you have a lot of oral bacteria, then you might be at a higher risk for endocarditis and other heart problems.
Can a root canal infection spread to the brain? Yes, it’s possible that all major organs can be impacted by the spreading infection.
When the infection spreads and becomes septic, then it can become a life-threatening infection that requires emergency medical intervention. While there are modern medications to treat these serious infections, some patients don’t survive because they can’t overcome the sepsis.
How Long Does an Infected Root Canal Take to Harm You?
Your overall health matters, because if you have a strong immune system then it might take longer before you experience major symptoms from an infected tooth root canal. There is an oral-systemic health connection that needs to be considered, especially for patients who are immune-compromised.
For example, if you have a weakened immune system due to cancer treatments, immune-suppressing medications, or other health complications, then it’s possible that the root canal infection can spread more quickly.
Chronic oral infections can also harm you through other health complications. The infection in the mouth can cause inflammatory responses throughout the body. For example, if a patient has diabetes, then the chronic inflammation can exacerbate the diabetes symptoms.
How an Infected Root Canal is Treated
If your root canal becomes re-infected, then there are several treatment options that you might consider. Depending on the severity and location of the infection, your dentist might recommend a root canal retreatment. During this appointment, the original root canal is removed, then the tooth is cleaned and resealed.
It might be necessary to have a type of endodontic surgery known as an apicoectomy. This treatment is the next option if a root canal retreatment isn’t sufficient. The last option is tooth extraction, although most dentists recommend alternative treatments first in an attempt to save the tooth.
Talk to an Experienced Dentist for Personalized Recommendations
Whenever you have a tooth infection or symptoms after a root canal, it’s critical that you schedule an appointment with our dental team right away. For more information about treating a root canal, explore our restorative dentistry services. We offer several locations for your convenience. Call to learn more about your treatment options.