Infected Root Canal

What is an infected root canal?

During a root canal, the infected pulp inside your tooth is removed and replaced with a biocompatible material. This preserves your tooth’s structure, which benefits your oral health. 

It’s not common for a root canal to cause further infection, but it’s possible. 

When should I suspect I have an infected root canal?

It’s normal to have some pain after a root canal. The procedure irritates surrounding nerves and soft tissue, so you may have soreness for a few days. You can usually manage the pain with over-the-counter pain medications and notice that it subsides over time.

But, if you continue to feel intense pain for more than a week after your root canal, it could indicate an infection. This is especially true if you notice your pain worsens with time.

If you notice any of these symptoms, come see Dr. Kaplan right away:

• Mild tenderness when you eat or press on your tooth
• Temperature sensitivities
• Unbearable pain
• Greenish or yellowish pus
• Warm, red gums around your tooth
• Bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

Sometimes, a root canal infection can develop after a few weeks, months, or even years. This indicates that your tooth never healed fully and that an infection set in slowly, over time.

Why did I develop an infected root canal?

A tooth may become infected following a root canal due to:

• Irregular and complex root canal shapes that are unique to you
• Delayed placement of a crown following treatment
• A new cavity in your treated tooth

Although infected root canals are rare, they require immediate attention to prevent tooth loss.

How do you treat an infected root canal?

The doctors at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC may recommend a root canal retreatment. They look for infected tissue around the area of your affected tooth. They numb the area and use a drill to access the root canal. 

They clean the area thoroughly and remove the root filler material.

They then thoroughly dry and disinfect the area. They insert new gutta-percha (filler) and place a filling on top. You also receive a new crown to protect your retreated tooth.

If you suspect you have an infected root canal, contact the Midtown West office of Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYCtoday. Call the office, or use the online tool to set up an appointment.