A root canal treatment may become essential if you have a severely decayed tooth. A root canal treatment is done to remove an existing infection. However, there is always the risk of a persisting infection. Visiting your dentist in Burlingame regularly after the treatment is recommended so that they can warn you about the early signs of an infection.
That being said, it is important to know the signs of a root canal infection. Regardless of how experienced your dentist may have been, it is good to be proactive. However, it is also rare for these complications to happen. But if they do, you might require emergency dental care Burlingame. A tooth infection can be dangerous to your health.
What are the signs of a root canal infection?
If you have recently undergone a root canal treatment, it is important to know its risks and complications as well. Knowing the signs of an infection can help you prevent the problem from advancing further. The spread of an infection is dangerous not just for your dental health but your overall health as well.
Here are the most common signs of a root canal infection:
- Pain from applied pressure
- Chronic bad breath
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Swollen gums and jaw
- Pimple on the gums
- Sudden fever
- Persistent pain
- Tooth discoloration
- An increasing feeling of fatigue
- Chipped, cracked, or loose tooth
- The development of an abscess near or at the root tip
- Green, yellow, or discolored pus discharge
What exactly is a root canal infection, and what causes it?
The topmost layer of your teeth is the enamel. Under that layer is another layer known as dentin. Under these two layers is a softer layer known as the pulp of your tooth. The pulp consists of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. When these become affected by an infection, it can become very painful.
A root canal infection often occurs when the bacteria in the mouth infect the pulp of the tooth that had been treated. This can result from a number of situations:
- Multiple dental procedures
- Pulp damage (regardless of exterior condition)
- Tooth decay
- A fractured root
- A chipped or cracked tooth
It is important to note that infections in all of these can happen without symptoms. You must visit your dentist regularly after the procedure and know the subtle signs.
Is a root canal infection a dental emergency?
A root canal infection is a dental emergency because the longer you wait, the greater is the risk of the infection spreading to the different parts of your body. Root canals also do not resolve on their own.
A root canal infection can spread and destroy your tooth, leading to dental emergencies and potentially compromising your overall health. This can result in serious conditions such as brain abscess, bone tissue infection, sepsis, and other life-threatening issues.
Treatment of a root canal infection is very quick and happens within one or two dental visits. Therefore, do not delay treatment due to time constraints. Put your health first and book your dental appointment.
What are the effects of a dental infection spreading to different parts of the body?
There are several adverse effects of a dental infection spreading to different parts of the body:
- Bone infection: Untreated tooth infections can lead to bone infections, also known as osteomyelitis. It is a life-threatening condition and requires treatment of 4-6 weeks.
- Infection of blood vessels in the sinuses: Cavernous sinus thrombosis occurs when the blood vessels in the sinuses develop blood clots due to infection spreading from the teeth. It is another rare but life-threatening disease.
- Skin and fat infection: Facial cellulitis results from bacteria spreading from tooth root infections through skin veins. Treatment may go on for two weeks.
Visit your dentist today!
Just because your tooth appears healthy, it does not necessarily mean it is healthy. If it pains and has persistent symptoms, visit your dentist today!
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