Root Canal Infection

A root canal infection is much like infections in other parts of your body. One big difference, however, is that root canal infections can cause a tremendous amount of fear and anxiety.

Much of this fear and anxiety is caused by myths and misinformation that abound about the common root canal infection.

Here are some answers to commonly asked questions that I hope will help you understand an infected root canal better and RELAX!

Root Canal Infection FAQ

My tooth wasn’t hurting at all when I went to bed. I woke up swollen and in pain. Can an infected root canal cause this? 

Yes you can develop a root canal problem very quickly and with no prior warning. This is really surprising when it occurs.

Your tooth can develop quite an infection before it lets you know anything about it. This is why you should see your dentist at the very first sign of pain or swelling.

How will I know if I have a root canal infection? 

It is possible to have an infected root canal and not even know it! Your dentist might make this discovery when you go in for a routine dental exam.

This is one of the reasons that regular dental visits are so important.

On the other hand you may experience symptoms such as severe pain and extensive swelling.

What causes a root canal infection? 

Technically, the cause is bacteria invading the dental pulp. This leads to inflammation and eventual necrosis of this tissue.

Pus will sometimes have time to form in the tissue surrounding a tooth and eventually drain through the gum tissue. This is why some people complain of a bad taste in their mouth.

What causes bacteria to invade the dental pulp?

Here are the common reasons:

• dental decay
• dental procedure such as a filling or crown
• trauma

How is a root canal infection treated?

The most common way to get rid of an infected root canal is by having root canal therapy. Root canal treatment involves making a small opening in the tooth much like when you have a filling done.

The infected dental pulp tissue is removed with small root canal instruments (commonly referred to as endodontic files).

Irrigating solutions such as sodium hypochlorite may also be used to disinfect the inside of the tooth. This is the reason for the bleach-like smell during the root canal procedure.

Once the inside of the tooth has been adequately disinfected it is filled. This filling is placed inside the root canal space and seals the root from further infection.

Are antibiotics necessary?

Not always. Your dentist will be able to make this determination. There are some instances when antibiotics are used to speed the healing process. Make sure you tell your dentist of any drug allergies.

Can I get an infection after a root canal is performed?

Yes, in a small number of cases an infection will develop after a tooth is treated. These infections are commonly treated with antibiotics.

What happens AFTER a root canal is the source of many questions and much confusion. That's one of the subjects I discuss in The Relaxed Root Canal.

In this book I answer over 80 questions about root canals. I also give you practical tips on how to have a relaxing root canal experience.  

I’ve performed thousands of root canals and found that most people have been given incorrect information that creates fear and anxiety. My goals for this book are to help you stay relaxed and receive the best root canal treatment possible.

In Chapter 5 of The Relaxed Root Canal I give you the one question you must ask your dentist BEFORE having your root canal infection treated.

I'll even give you my recommendation for what to do if you get the wrong answer to this question. You can be reading this digital book within minutes on your computer.

For more information please CLICK HERE.

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