Reinfection After Root Canal Therapy: 3 Telltale Signs

You finally found the motivation to get the root canal you needed. Even though you dreaded the thought of it, it turned out to be pretty painless. 

Your dentist removed the infection and decay from the inside of your tooth and filled the space with a special cement, saving your tooth and keeping the infection from spreading to the rest of your mouth.

Most of the time, that’s the end of the story. But treatment occasionally fails to produce the desired outcome.

Now, you’re starting to wonder if you’re one of those cases, with another infection in the same place. Perhaps bacteria were left behind from the first procedure, the restoration leaked, a crack in your tooth went undetected, or a new infection crept in.

At Smile Design Manhattan in New York City, we help our patients who’ve undergone root canal therapy understand the early warning indicators of reinfection. Here are three telltale signs.

1. Persistent or recurring pain

It’s normal to experience some discomfort in the first few days after a root canal. But pain or throbbing pressure that persists for weeks afterward, or that returns, could indicate the presence of trapped bacteria that survived the first cleaning.

If you have pain ranging from a dull ache to sharp discomfort, especially when biting down, it’s time to visit the dentist.

2. Gum swelling and tenderness

Another red flag is gum inflammation, swelling, or tenderness around the tooth. You may even notice a small bump that looks like a pimple. That all points to a growing abscess where fluid can build up as your body battles bacteria.

Swelling that persists or worsens over time may indicate that the infection is spreading and could lead to more significant complications.

3. Sensitivity and a foul taste

Many patients notice decreased sensitivity following a root canal. On the other hand, continued or increased sensitivity in your tooth can indicate trouble.

Think about drinking hot coffee or walking outside when it’s freezing. If these blasts of hot and cold feel especially charged, that could be the result of nerve irritation from invading bacteria.

Also, if you experience a foul taste in your mouth, that could be due to pus or drainage leaking from an abscess.

If you experience any of these symptoms after a root canal, visit your team as soon as possible. The experts at Smile Design Manhattan are available when you need them. Call our Midtown office to schedule your appointment today, or book your appointment online