Root canal treatment is one of the most crucial procedures in dentistry. It is complex and like a small surgery that only a specialist can perform. Experts generally use this procedure to deal with dental infections.
The dentist drills a tiny hole into the teeth and then cleans the infected pulp properly. After that, they fill the pulp chamber to seal the tooth. Additionally, a dental crown is also recommended after the treatment to give a finishing touch. However, even after doing this, complications occur sometimes and there can be many reasons behind it.
Interestingly, infections are one common complication that arises after a root canal procedure. So, what happens if you get an infection after a root canal? Let’s figure it out!
What Happens if You Get an Infection After a Root Canal?
Although the main purpose of root canal treatment is to get rid of the infection, sometimes the infection comes back even after the treatment.
This happens when the dentist is not able to remove all the infecting bacteria or when the bacteria re-enter due to improper sealing. However, whatever the reason, patients have to suffer if this dental hazard occurs.
Infection under the crown root canal will lead to multiple issues such as pain, discomfort, tooth discoloration, fatigue, or even fever.
Additionally, if the re-infection is left untreated for longer it may even cause irreparable damage. So, those who love their dental health should be aware of the signs of symptoms of re-infection after RCT.
The issues we have discussed earlier like fever, fatigue, or pain are the initial signs of infection, so let’s now discuss them in detail.
Signs of Infection After the Root Canal
Can an infected crown after RCT be saved? Yes, it can be saved if you manage to get an early treatment by identifying the signs and symptoms of infection such as:
1. Abscess Formation
Noticing a localized collection of pus on the gums especially near the treated tooth can be a sign of infection. Abscess is a common symptom of infection that usually goes away after the RCT.
But, if it persists even after the treatment then it’s an indication that the procedure has failed to eradicate the infection.
2. Chronic Bad Breath
Gum infection around the crown treatment of RCT may give rise to chronic bad breath. Most people fail to recognize it as a sign of infection and try to get rid of it by brushing or having mouth fresheners.
Well, these methods may suppress bad odor for a short period but it will come back if it’s related to the infection. Additionally, oftentimes bitter taste in the mouth also accompanies the bad smell.
3. Fatigue
Well, honestly speaking being tired or fatigued has become part of our busy life. But, not many people know, that feeling low on energy can be a sign of underlying issues.
Infection in the teeth is one such issue that can give rise to this problem. So, if you are feeling excessive fatigue a week after the root canal treatment, it can be a sign of infection that is spreading into your bloodstream.
4. Fever
We treat fever as a disease and try to suppress it. However, it is an indication that the immune system is trying to kill bad bacteria. Infection in the teeth occurs due to bad bacteria which results in fever.
If you notice a high body temperature along with swelling and soreness in the mouth after RCT, it can be the result of infection.
5. Pain
In many patients tooth pain under the crown comes and goes after Root canal treatment. They treat it as a normal issue because having a small amount of pain after RCT is common.
But, if it spikes, especially after eating hard food or taking a strong bite, you need to consult your dentist. Otherwise, the infection will spread to the gums and jaw.
Apart from these tooth discoloration can also occur as a sign of infection. So, this is what happens if you get an infection after a root canal. Try to deal with them as soon as possible to avoid bigger health risks.
Risks of Untreated Infection After Root Canal
Opting for a dental treatment a week after having one may be daunting for some people. But, letting the infection grow can be life-threatening.
Here are some risks of untreated tooth infection, you must be aware of:
1. Bone infection
As we know the bacteria that is causing infection will not stop at your tooth. It will spread further and its first target will be the bone closest to your tooth. Severe bone infections result in an unimaginable amount of pain that will affect your day-to-day life.
2. Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis
Untreated dental infection can enter the bloodstream and give rise to multiple issues. It can infect the blood vessels in the sinus and result in Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis. This health condition is a rare disorder that triggers multiple disorders.
3. Blood infection
After reading the previous point, it goes without saying that dental infection will eventually lead to blood infection. It’s a well-known fact that blood infection is a life-dangering condition.
4. Parapharyngeal abscess
Avoiding abscesses under crown symptoms can create difficulties. It can give rise to a parapharyngeal abscess that infects the deeper parts of the neck. This health issue can cause difficulty in breathing by blocking the airways.
5. Cellulitis
When the untreated bacteria of the tooth infection travels to the skin to spread the infection it causes Cellulitis. Signs of facial cellulitis are the redness around the eyes, nose, and cheeks. Mild Cellulitis may go away after 2 weeks through the right treatment but severe cases can be life-threatening.
So, these are also some of the health problems that can happen if you get an infection after a root canal and leave it untreated.
Treatment for Infection After Root Canal
There are only two possible ways to treat infection after RCT:
Antibiotics
Dentists rely on antibiotics as the first line of defense against infection after the root canal. It may take one or two weeks to deal with dental infection through this medication.
However, following good dental hygiene is important to get desirable results during this period. Also, try to avoid sugary foods and drinks as they support the spread of infection.
Re-RCT
If by any chance the antibiotic fails to give results, the dentist advises the patient to go for re-treatment. This procedure is more complex than the first one. It involves reopening the treated tooth and then removing any remaining infection.
Additionally, in some rare conditions surgery is also needed to address the issue. Dental surgery can only done by an experienced dental expert, which is not so easy to find in Patna. So if you’re looking for the best dental surgeon doctor in Patna for Re-RCT, visit Dr Aishwarya Multispecialty Dental Clinic.
Best Dentist in Patna for Re-RCT
Dr. Aishwarya Roy is a leading top 5 dentist in Patna dealing with severe and complex cases. Recently the dental expert is honoured by the ‘Bihar Gaurav Samman award’ in the presence of the honourable Deputy Chief Minister.
Additionally, she also got the prestigious ‘Times Icons of Health 2024’ by The Times of India. These awards are a testament to her expertise in the field of dentistry.
Whether it’s RCT or Re-RCT, with Dr. Aishwarya, you can expect a smooth and painless experience. Dr Aishwarya Multispecialty Dental Clinic is known as the best dental healthcare center in Patna, equipped with world-class technologies and has a super-friendly environment that makes patients feel at home. Prices at her clinic are also reasonable and are not hard on your pocket.
So, wait no more and book your appointment at the top dental clinic in Patna for root canal treatment.
Conclusion
Infection can occur even a week after getting a root canal, and one should not take it lightly. Untreated infection after RCT can put your life in danger, which many people are not aware of. That’s why in this blog we have discussed what happens if you get an infection after a root canal. Additionally, we have also given you the two possible treatments for this that most dental clinics or experts rely on.
If you are looking for the best dental clinic in boring road patna, come to Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispecilaity Dental Clinic.
At our clinic, you’ll get top-quality treatment at reasonable prices. We are located at the heart of Patna – Boring Road. You can book an online appointment through this website, on a call, or visit the clinic.
