Root canal procedures are designed to relive the pain caused by infected or decayed teeth. However, after undergoing this dental procedure, your teeth and gums may be infected. Such infections can persist, making your life difficult. Knowing the signs of root canal infection can help you to contact an Emergency Dentist Clermont early. In this article, you’ll learn about three key signs indicating you have root canal infection.
- Persistent Pain
After a root canal, it’s normal to experience some discomfort for a few days. However, if the pain continues beyond a week or reappears after you’ve healed, it may be a sign that something is wrong. This pain can be constant or intermittent, and it can range from a dull ache to a sharp, throbbing sensation.
Persistent pain often indicates that the infection was not completely eradicated during the initial procedure. The pain might worsen when you chew or apply pressure on the treated tooth. In some cases, the pain might even radiate to other parts of your face, such as your jaw, ear, or the opposite side of your mouth. If you’re experiencing this type of pain, it’s crucial to contact your dentist immediately. Delaying treatment can lead to the infection spreading to surrounding tissues or even to other parts of your body, such as the bone or bloodstream.
- Swelling and Tenderness
You may notice swelling around the affected tooth, in your gums, or even in your face and neck. This swelling can be accompanied by tenderness, making it painful to touch the area or chew on that side of your mouth. The swelling might be slight and barely noticeable, or it could be severe, causing visible puffiness and discomfort.
The swelling occurs as your body’s immune response tries to fight off the infection. Inflammation is a natural defense mechanism, but when it’s triggered by an infection that wasn’t fully addressed during the root canal procedure, it can lead to further complications. In some cases, an abscess may form, causing significant swelling.
If you notice any swelling or tenderness after a root canal, seek dental care immediately. These symptoms often indicate that the infection is still present and needs to be treated. A dentist will perform additional procedures such as drainage, or prescribe antibiotics.
- Discharge or Pus
The presence of discharge or pus is a clear sign of infection. If you notice a foul taste in your mouth or a bad smell that doesn’t go away even after brushing, it could be due to pus seeping from the infected tooth or surrounding gums. The discharge is a result of the body’s immune system trying to combat the infection by breaking down the bacteria and other harmful substances.
Pus may collect in an abscess, which can cause significant discomfort. If the abscess ruptures, you may notice a sudden release of the foul-tasting fluid in your mouth. This can temporarily relieve some of the pressure and pain, but it doesn’t mean the infection is gone. In fact, without proper treatment, the infection can continue to spread, leading to more serious complications such as bone loss or systemic infection.
If you experience this symptom, it’s critical to visit your dentist as soon as possible. They will likely need to drain the abscess and may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. In some cases, a second root canal or even tooth extraction may be necessary to fully resolve the issue.
Summing Up
Recognizing the signs of a root canal infection is crucial for maintaining your oral health. Early intervention will prevent the infection from spreading and save your tooth from further damage.
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