Did you just undergo a root canal to get rid of tooth infection pain? Sadly, sometimes gum infections can occur right after this procedure. That does not necessarily mean that the treatment went wrong. Rather, it can be an indication that something is wrong with your body. Learning to recognize the signs can help you get treated early.
Read this blog to discover the indications of gum disease after the treatment and hwat can you do to handle it.
Why Would an Infection Happen After a Root Canal?
The whole point of this dental procedure is to remove infected pulp, clean the canals, and seal the tooth to stop bacteria from causing further damage. However, you could experience gum disease due to the following reasons:
- Hidden canals: Certain teeth can have additional canals. If any one of them is overlooked throughout treatment, remaining bacteria can reside and cause an infection.
- Microfractured or cracked roots: Even the smallest cracks within a tooth can let bacteria creep in after treatment.
- Leaking crowns/fillings: If the restoration that was inserted after your root canal is not completely sealed, bacteria can slip underneath.
- Periodontal (gum) problems: Occasionally, the problem isn’t the tooth, but the gum tissue around it. Gum disease doesn’t simply go away because the tooth has been treated.
- Immune system or underlying conditions: Your immune system may react based on your medical history. Underlying conditions, such as diabetes, can make infections more difficult to combat after a root canal in Round Rock.
Warning Signs You Might Have a Gum Infection
Here are some signs to watch out for:
- Persistent swelling around the treated tooth
- Tenderness or sensitivity of the gum tissue around the treated tooth
- A small pimple-like bump on the gum
- Discharge of pus or a strange taste in your mouth
- Throbbing pain that persists or gets worse
- Bad breath or a foul odor that lingers
- A sensation that the tooth feels a little “off” when you bite
Treatment Options For Gum Disease After A Root Canal
A gum infection following a root canal can actually be treated quite easily. Here are the treatment options:
Antibiotics
If the infection is localized and hasn’t penetrated deeply, a course of antibiotics may bring your gum disease under control. It might not always work, particularly if there is a problem with the root or the bone surrounding it.
Retreatment
The dentist might reopen your treated tooth to clean the canals again and reseal it. This treatment will remove the remaining bacteria to stop gum disease in its tracks.
Gum Therapy
If gums are the problem, deep cleaning like scaling and root planing can remove bacteria below the gum line. Gum surgery is sometimes performed to remove infected tissue.
Apicoectomy
If retreatment is not possible or has failed, a simple surgery called an apicoectomy can remove the infected tooth root to prevent it from coming back.
Tooth Extraction
If the infection is too advanced or the bone has been weakened, the tooth will have to be removed.
A root canal procedure is supposed to relieve you from pain. If your gums don’t feel right afterwards and you keep experiencing pain or even an abscess, it might be good to see a dentist for a checkup. They can identify and treat your gum disease.
Are you ready to keep your oral health intact? Schedule a consultation to learn more.
