Does a Root Canal Ever Become Infected?

root canal Astoria, NY

A root canal treatment is done when the pulp of the tooth has become infected. This may happen because of decay in the tooth or because of an injury to the face. However, in some cases, the tooth may become infected again after a root canal. The good news is that the tooth can most likely still be saved. Read on to learn more.

Infection after a root canal

There are several reasons that a tooth may be infected after it has been treated. If there is a crack in the root of the patient’s tooth, that can lead to further complications. The dentist may miss this crack, which will allow the tooth to be exposed to more bacteria in the area, leading to an infection after a root canal treatment.

A tooth can become re-infected after a root canal if the tooth has not been properly cleaned before being sealed. The canal of the tooth is very complex and has many branches that go off of the main canal. Bacteria and infected tissue can remain in some of these branches.

The problem may also be because of defective materials or techniques used during the root canal. The seal that the dentist placed over the root canal can erode over time, which can allow bacteria to enter the area again. Proper oral hygiene can slow the process of bacteria entering the tooth. However, if the material itself was defective, an infection is very likely to reoccur.

Apicoectomy

If the tooth has become infected again after a root canal, the first step is generally a second root canal. However, if this is unsuccessful, a dentist may recommend an apicoectomy. In this procedure, the infected tissue and the tip of the tooth are removed. The end of the tooth is then sealed.

During the procedure, the dentist will cut away the tissue at the root of the tooth. The dentist will then work to remove all of the infected tissue and the root at the tip of the tooth. The dentist will then use a dye to see if there are any cracks or fractures in the tooth. If there are cracks or fractures, the dentist will have to remove the tooth.

However, if the tooth is still intact, the dentist will then clean the last few millimeters of the canal and seal them. The dentist will generally use a surgical microscope to better see the teeth. This procedure takes about half an hour to an hour and a half.

Visit a dentist today

If you need a root canal treatment, it is important to have it done at an experienced dentist. The dentist should take care to use the right materials and techniques. If you believe that a previous root canal treatment has become infected, it is important to visit a dentist right away to save your tooth. Visiting a dentist can prevent any problems from getting worse.

Request an appointment here: https://astoriadentalspa.com or call Astoria Dental Broadway at (718) 786-8667 for an appointment in our Astoria office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

4 Tips To Get Through Your First Week Of Invisalign

Those who are looking for a way to straighten teeth may consider Invisalign®. It is a great option for people, particularly adults who want to fix their smile subtly. Because the aligners are clear and removable, the treatment is more discreet than traditional braces. When using Invisalign® to straighten teeth, it may take a little…

What To Expect After Getting Veneers

People who get veneers generally do not need any time to recover, because numbing agents are not typically required. These tooth-colored shells will look and feel just like natural tooth enamel. However, they still need to be properly cared for to allow them to last as long as possible. Take a look at these tips…

Tips To Prevent Cental Crowns From Falling Out

While dental crowns typically last anywhere between five and 15 years, there are certain precautions that need to be taken to prevent these attachments from falling off. Crowns are often used to restore strength and functionality to a tooth that has been damaged due to decay, cracks or other causes. Depending on the material used…

Before And After Oral Surgery – Tips From Your General Dentist

Oral surgery can be a daunting procedure, especially if you are unfamiliar with what will take place. Whether you are having a tooth extraction, getting dental implants or getting jaw surgery, there is a lot to learn about these processes. You should not go into the operation blindly. Be prepared so you can have a…

Recent Posts

Tips To Get Through Your First Week Of Invisalign

4 Tips To Get Through Your First Week Of Invisalign

Those who are looking for a way to straighten teeth may consider Invisalign®. It is a great option for people, particularly adults who want to fix their smile subtly. Because the aligners are clear and removable, the treatment is more discreet than traditional braces. When using Invisalign® to straighten teeth, it may take a little…

What To Expect After Getting Veneers

What To Expect After Getting Veneers

People who get veneers generally do not need any time to recover, because numbing agents are not typically required. These tooth-colored shells will look and feel just like natural tooth enamel. However, they still need to be properly cared for to allow them to last as long as possible. Take a look at these tips…

Georgetown Dental Spa