Although a root canal procedure effectively restores your tooth, reinfection can occur after the treatment. Many individuals, in some instances, experience mild to severe symptoms of infection after the endodontic treatment. Knowing the signs of infection after a root canal in advance can help you receive treatment on time, ensuring no additional problems arise.
We will mention five symptoms of an infected root canal in this blog. Therefore, you will be familiar with the warning signs by the end, giving you time to take appropriate measures.
5 Important Signs of Infection After a Root Canal
Here are some signs that occur if you have a root canal:
1. A Constant Pimple on the Gums
An abscess or pimple usually appears on the gums near the infected tooth. After the root canal, the abscess releases fluids, eventually disappearing.
If you notice the gum abscess more than 7 to 10 days later, you might have an infection or gum disease. Talk to your periodontist right away!
2. Warmness Around the Tooth & Gums
The affected tooth and the gums surrounding the area could feel hot. Hence, experiencing a burning sensation in your tooth or gums after a root canal could indicate infection. Sometimes, the oral infection mimics the sensation of a burning mouth. Inform your dentist immediately!
3. Feeling Lethargic All the Time
It is normal to feel slightly tired after dental work. However, constant lethargy could mean something is not right. This is because, typically, energy levels restore to normal in a few days. When an infection occurs, you feel worn out since the blood vessels that transport the pathogens to different body parts start affecting the other organs.
Feeling lethargic or extremely tired after a week is among the signs of infection after a root canal. Therefore, consult your oral healthcare provider.
4. Persistent Pain
Pain and soreness last for a few days after root canal therapy. Still, sometimes, reinfection can cause persistent pain even after three days. The infection could spread from the root tip to your gums and bone. So if you have pain that is constant or getting worse, visit an endodontist for prompt treatment.
5. Fever
When your immune system detects a problematic microbe, a commonly built response occurs, causing fever. Therefore, call your dentist if you have a 99.5°F temperature and experience other symptoms of an oral infection.
How to Treat Infection After Root Canal?
You cannot treat an infected root canal at home. Therefore, you will need to visit an endodontist for professional treatment. If the case is not severe, they will remove the remaining bacteria from the root. Moreover, the root canal specialist might recommend antibiotics as well.
Sometimes, the dental specialist performs an apicoectomy surgery. This procedure involves removing the infected tissue as well as some millimeters of the root tip itself.
In other cases, when the tooth cannot be restored, a tooth extraction procedure is recommended to avoid additional issues.
What’s Next?
If you have persistent pain, gum abscess, fever, increased tiredness, and a burning sensation in the affected tooth, it could indicate infection. Visit your dentist when you notice signs of infection after a root canal.
Schedule an appointment with Dynamic Dental Solutions for professional treatment at (281) 837-9090. You can also drop by our dental clinic at 1410 Cedar Bayou Rd, Baytown, TX 77520.