Root canal is a dental procedure that saves approximately 15 million teeth annually. However, in some rare cases, it leads to complications such as gum swelling. It occurs when the bad bacteria infect the tissues surrounding the tooth’s root.
This complication will cause multiple discomforts, like a toothache, hindering your recovery. But, there is no need to worry because with proper care and suitable treatments, one can get rid of this issue.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the treatments along with preventive tips. But first, we will look at some signs and symptoms of gum swelling after root canal treatment. This will help you detect the complication in its early stage.
Signs of Gum Swelling After Root Canal Treatment
One should not take the gum swelling problem lightly, as it can spread to the jawbone and may even lead to its removal. That’s why it’s very important to keep an eye out for any signs and symptoms of infection after a root canal:
- Persistent pain and increased tooth sensitivity
- Swelling, tenderness, or redness in the gums
- An increasing feeling of fatigue
- Sensitivity to pressure or discomfort when biting down
- The formation of a gum abscess
Along with these, sudden fever and delayed healing are also signs of infection after root canal treatment. This issue can occur due to various factors, which we will discuss in the next section.
What Causes Gum Swelling After RCT?
Root canal treatment is performed to eliminate the infection, but in some cases, the infection comes back. This may happen due to:
- Incomplete Removal of Bacteria – If the dentist is not able to remove all infected tissues inside the tooth, the infection can come back.
- Delay in the placement of the Tooth’s crown – Late applications of the tooth’s crown or permanent restoration can allow harmful bacteria back in.
- Poor Oral Hygiene – Not focusing on oral hygiene can affect the RCT treatment, leading to bacterial and plaque buildup. This will increase the risk of gum infection.
- Cracks or Fractures – Even a tiny crack in the tooth can allow the bacteria to enter inside the tooth and spread infection.
- An inadequate seal – Improper sealing after the treatment also allows the bacteria to re-enter the root and causes infection.
- Pre-existing Gum Disease – RCT can only remove the infection, but it cannot deal with the root cause of any gum disease. That’s why people with conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis get gum infections even after the root canal treatment.
- Complicated shape of your root canal – Some root canals have a complicated shape, which creates difficulty during the treatment. This causes some infected areas to be unfound, which leads to reinfection.
- Extra accessory canals – You may have extra accessory canals that could be hidden and harbor bacteria.
So, these were some of the causes of gum infection after root canal treatment. Now let’s talk about the cure.
Treatment for Gum Swelling After Root Canal
If you know how to detect the signs of infection after the RCT , then the next step is to know how to treat the infection after a root canal. Here are some of the methods to do that:
1. Prescribed Antibiotics
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to fight back against the bacteria after the treatment. It will also reduce the infection and gum swelling after a root canal. Additionally, remember to follow all the instructions of your dentist, especially regarding the medication dosage.
2. Abscess Drainage
In severe cases, the pus accumulates in the abscess, which needs to be drained. It reduces the pressure, alleviates discomfort, and improves the healing process. In the procedure, the dentist may make a small incision in the gum tissue to let the pus drain easily.
3. Surgical Intervention
If antibiotics and abscess drainage are not enough, the patient should consider retreatment or some alternative procedure. Apicoectomy is one of the alternatives for root canal treatment in which the tip of the tooth’s root or any infected tissue is removed. Dentists generally consider this treatment when the root canal fails to provide relief to the patients.
You can also rely on some remedies, such as clove oil application and hydrogen peroxide, to seek comfort. But you must have heard that prevention is better than a cure. So, why not prevent the infection in the first place?
How to Prevent Gum Swelling after RCT ?
If you know what happens if you get an infection after a root canal, you must be worried about it. But, relax, because there are multiple ways to reduce the risk of getting an infection after RCT. Here are some of them:
- Brushing and flossing at least twice a day- It prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth. You can also use antimicrobial mouthwash to get better results.
- Over-the-counter pain medication – If you are experiencing pain, swelling, and soreness after the treatment, use over-the-counter pain medication.
- Incorporate healthy habits – Try to eat as healthily as possible and maintain a balanced diet. Also, avoid smoking as it affects the healing process, which may allow the bacteria to re-enter the tooth.
- Address Gum Disease – As we know that pre-existing gum disease can lead to infection after RCT treatment. So, talk to your dentist and ask him to treat the gum disease too.
- Regular Checkups – Go for regular dental checkups, especially for follow-up appointments. This allows the dentist to monitor the treated area and detect any signs of infection.
So these were some of the preventive tips for gum swelling after root canal treatment. While following these tips, don’t forget the importance of choosing a good dental clinic.
Root Canal Worries? Visit Patna’s Top Dental Clinic Today!
Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic is the best dental clinic in Patna for root canal treatment. It is a premier dental health center that is known in the town for providing precise, safe, and effective treatments. Our patient-centric approach, combined with affordability, makes us a trusted choice for people across the region. In fact, we offer one of the most affordable root canal treatment costs in Patna.
Under the supervision of Dr. Aishwarya, B.D.S., M.D.S. (Gold Medalist), our clinic has helped multiple people achieve the smile of their dreams. Dr. Aishwarya is a renowned RCT specialist in Patna, who holds a decade of experience in the field of dentistry. Conveniently located on Boring Road, right in the heart of Patna, our clinic is easily accessible to all.!
So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step toward pain-free, confident smiles—visit Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic and book your appointment today!
Conclusion
Gum swelling after root canal treatment is rare, but when it happens, it brings a plethora of dental issues. In this blog, we’ve shared key insights on how to recognize the symptoms, understand the causes, and take preventive steps to avoid post-treatment infections.
If you’re in Patna and looking for a safe, effective, and complication-free root canal treatment, we recommend visiting Dr. Aishwarya’s Multispeciality Dental Clinic. Our clinic is well equipped with all the needed tools and technologies that allow us to provide precise and personalized treatment to our patients.
To book your appointment, visit our clinic or simply click the button below and take the first step towards a healthier smile.
