Endodontic treatment, also known as root canal treatment, is a procedure dentists recommend to patients dealing with progressive dental caries. On average, this treatment has a high success rate, around 95%.
However, it is very important to remember that nothing is perfect and rarely side effects such as infections can occur after your tooth has been treated.
Root Canals
If tooth decay or infection is not treated in a timely manner, it can not only damage your enamel and leave holes in your teeth, but can also go down to your pulp. This delicate, fleshy sac contains blood vessels and nerves; When infected, it will cause hypersensitivity when you eat hot and cold things, and severe pain when you brush or move your jaw.
To save as much of your tooth as possible, your dentist will likely recommend root canal treatment at your nearest dental clinic. This procedure involves puncturing your tooth, scraping out all the decay, and then plugging in a customized crown to close the gap left behind.
Root Canal Infections
Symptoms
Root canal treatment is a very reliable method of restorative dentistry. However, problems such as re-infection of your treated tooth can occur frequently. If you’re not sure if your newly treated tooth is damaged, here are some signs to look out for:
.Swelling of the face.
Pimples have formed around the teeth.
.Persistent bad breath.
.Pus.
.The emergence of an abscess. (This is a pus-filled sac).
.Tooth darkening.
Reasons
Many factors can contribute to a tooth re-infection and these include:
.An unseen or unaddressed crack or crack.
.If the crown is not inserted properly.
.The formation of a new cavity in or around the tooth
.If the material used to seal your tooth is worn
Treatment
Regardless of how they arise, root canal infections are serious. Sometimes your smile can be repaired with a second root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment. If such a strategy is not possible, you may undergo other forms of treatment, such as an apicectomy or a complete tooth extraction, which involves cutting the tip of your root.
Infections can spread not only to your oral cavity but to other parts of your body as well. When they seep into your bloodstream, they are much harder to control. So if you feel like something is wrong or are experiencing persistent pain, do the smart thing and make an appointment with your dentist.
They will advise you to come for a dental examination. Your mouth will be physically evaluated and then x-rayed. These measures allow your dentist to create a detailed picture of your current condition. Before you go, they will let you know what the problem is and how you can fix it.
Preventing Root Canal Infections
Oral infections can be easily prevented as long as we take the time to care for our teeth. Here are some easy but effective practices you can apply to stop any infection from developing:
Brush your teeth
Although it is recommended to do this at least twice a day, it is better to brush and floss after three meals.
Rinse with mouthwash
Antiseptic mouthwash is especially great.
Take medicine to relieve any pain
Advil and Tylenol are popular ones.
Don’t neglect your teeth cleaning
Visit your dentist! If something goes wrong, don’t hesitate! Dentists are there to help you.
