How to Prevent Root Canal Infections
A tooth consists of more than the part visible above the gum line known as the crown. It has the tooth roots which nourish and help support it. Inside the tooth’s center is the tooth pulp with blood vessels, tissues, and nerves. They can become infected, affecting the tooth’s appearance and function. Thus, it will require the attention of a root canal specialist.
Treating an infected root canal alleviates the symptoms of pain and discomfort. In addition, the endodontic procedure eliminates the infection-causing bacteria and dead tissues. Therefore, the tooth is protected from further infection. Endodontics in Union City also involves strengthening the tooth with a dental crown to enable it to function properly.
Root canal infections can occur on seemingly healthy or damaged teeth. Besides, the tooth can be infected after a root canal procedure. Fortunately, the chances are small, and you can prevent the tooth from being infected. Read on to learn about root canal infections and how to avoid them.
Causes of Root Canal Infections
The infections in the tooth’s center are caused by severe decay, leaky dental filling, and dental trauma. Reasons a tooth can have an infection after a root canal vary. For example, removing all the infection-causing bacteria and dead tissues from the tooth may not be possible.
The dentist’s tool may not reach all crevices in the inner tooth structure. In addition, curved or narrow root canals hinder the dentist from disinfecting the area completely. As a result, the debris left in the place dies, leading to an infection.
Also, some teeth have an extra root canal which may be missed during treatment. This leads to the tooth being re-infected. In addition, the placement of the dental crown may be delayed after treatment. This allows bacteria back into the tooth. Alternatively, the treated tooth may get another cavity or become damaged, leading to a new infection.
Symptoms of an Infected Root Canal
The signs of a bacterial infection in the dental pulp are:
- severe pain when chewing or biting
- extreme tooth sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- gum swelling around the infected tooth
- pus pockets near the tooth
- tooth becoming darker in color
- bad breath or taste in the mouth
You may notice the signs immediately or months later when a tooth is re-infected after a root canal. The General dentist in Union City advises patients to look for symptoms of a root canal infection and contact them directly. The first sign of the disease is intense pain for more than a week following the treatment.
You may also notice pus discharge from the tooth, and the tissues around this tooth will be swollen, red, and warm. In addition, the gums around the tooth may be tender, and you may have a bad taste or smell from the mouth.
When you report the symptoms to the root canal specialist, they will call you for prompt treatment. This is because the bacteria infection can spread to the surrounding tissues. The expert will access the inner tooth and eliminate all the disease.
Tips for Preventing a Root Canal Infection
To prevent an initial root canal infection, you should:
- Brush and floss properly using the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and flossing thread daily.
- Avoid sugary or acidic food and drinks which contribute to plaque and cavities.
- Use a mouth guard to protect the teeth from trauma when participating in sports. If you have bruxism, ensure you use a night mouth guard to prevent tooth damage. It may lead to a dental pulp infection.
- Attend regular dental exams and cleanings to prevent an infection or detect it before it reaches the pulp.
Following the dentists’ instructions can prevent a post-treatment root canal infection. For example, you should take antibiotics and maintain good oral hygiene. Also, do not delay going for a final crown or permanent restoration. In addition, get dental exams and cleanings at least twice annually. Again, the dentist will help prevent a root canal infection.
A dentist at Hudson Family Dental will ensure you do not have a root canal re-infection. The experts will use top-notch techniques and types of equipment to eliminate all infected or dead tissues. Contact us for root canal therapy by highly skilled and experienced dental experts.