Can a Tooth Still Get Infected After a Root Canal?

Looking for more information on a root canal procedure? According to WebMD, a root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. While many people who hear this term automatically associate it as a painful dental procedure, new and improved dental technologies make this common procedure one that is easier to perform than ever.

What are endodontists?

Learning more about a root canal also requires you to learn more about what endodontists do, as this type of dental professional is considered to be a specialist when it comes to saving teeth. In fact, root canal treatment is also known as endodontic treatment, which is a common procedure that is performed to remove the damaged pulp from inside of a tooth that can result in eventual tooth loss.

An endodontist is a dental professional who knows how to treat the inside of the tooth in order to save it, as saving a tooth that is in jeopardy of being lost is always preferred. Once a tooth is lost, it is necessary for a dental patient to choose a tooth replacement option to continue experiencing an overall healthy mouth.

The root canal process

The root canal process requires patients to make two different dental appointments to undergo root canal therapy treatment. During the first appointment, the patient will have X-rays taken, which is necessary for the dental professional to understand the overall condition of the canals of the tooth roots. This first appointment allows dental professionals to understand exactly what they need to do during that patient's second appointment.

During the second appointment, the patient will then be given a local anesthetic so they do not feel anything while the procedure is performed. Once the patient is numb, the dental professional will use a dental drill to make a small opening in the tooth to access the pulp inside of the tooth. They will then use special dental tools to remove the infected pulp, as well as clean the inside of the tooth. Once the tooth is thoroughly cleaned, a special dental filling will be used to fill and reseal the tooth, which completes the surgical part of the procedure.

The last part of the root canal procedure is placing a dental cap, also known as a dental crown, over the tooth in order to give it back its strength. This is especially important for teeth that are used for grinding food, as it is important for grinding teeth to be as strong as possible.

Can a tooth still get infected after a root canal?

While it does not happen very often, it is possible for a tooth to still get infected after undergoing a root canal procedure. There are a few different reasons why re-infection can occur, making it essential for every dental patient to understand these reasons so they can avoid experiencing another tooth infection. Three of the more common reasons why a tooth may get infected after a root canal are because the first infection was more severe than originally thought, because one or more of the smaller canals in the tooth were not thoroughly cleaned and because the dental cap placed over the tooth did not fully protect the tooth from any additional decay.

Are you in need of a root canal?

Now that you understand the importance of a root canal, are you ready to schedule an appointment so you can have this necessary dental procedure performed? The root canal process is one that is simpler than ever, which means you do not have to worry. Now that you know a tooth can get infected again even after undergoing a root canal, you understand the importance of following all aftercare instructions given to you by your dental professional.

Request an appointment here: https://santarosaendodontics.com or call Santa Rosa Endodontics at (707) 706-2143 for an appointment in our Santa Rosa office.

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