What happens when a root canal gets infected?

A root canal infection brings severe pain in its wake. The pain intensifies when you bite down or place pressure on the affected tooth. Additionally, you may experience tooth sensitivity when you eat hot or cold food and drinks. The pain can also originate from inflammation of the gums.

How do you get rid of a root canal infection?

To treat the infection in the root canal, the bacteria need to be removed. This can be done by either: removing the bacteria from the root canal system (root canal treatment) removing the tooth (extraction)

Does root canal infection show up on xray?

In the majority of cases, you will notice some type of symptom that indicates an infected root canal. Although, there are cases where there are no symptoms and the infection will only be found by your dentist on an x-ray.

How long for root canal infection to resolve?

Once the root canal or extraction is performed the body will help to eliminate the infection. With diligent care and the guided help of a dental professional, your infection should heal typically within a couple weeks to a month . As the infection itself heals, the fistula should subside. Sometimes the fistulas don’t heal.

Can you die from a root canal infection?

The infection may not only destroy the infected tooth but the bone holding the tooth and even adjacent teeth. If the infection in your face becomes big enough, it can close off your airway and without emergency treatment you can die. An infected tooth remains infected until the tooth has a root canal or is removed.

Does an infected tooth always need a root canal?

A root canal removes the diseased or infected part of the tooth, and it removes the nerve from a severely broken tooth, allowing the tooth to be saved. You may need a root canal if you have a severe toothache, usually along with swelling in your jaw around your tooth.

Do I really need root canal treatment?

Patients typically need a root canal when there is inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. During root canal treatment, an endodontist who specializes in such treatment carefully removes the pulp inside the tooth, cleans, disinfects and shapes the root canals, and places a filling to seal the space.