Root canal therapy is a standard dental procedure where your dentist will remove an infection from the interior pulp of your tooth. Once the infection is removed, they will seal the tooth and place a dental crown on top to strengthen and protect it. Root canals have a bad reputation for being lengthy and painful, but the truth is that the root canal procedure is painless and will alleviate your dental pain in that tooth. One question you may have is whether there is a risk of further infection after your root canal. Let’s find out more.
Is There a Risk of Infection after a Root Canal?
Although it’s uncommon, you could develop an infection after a root canal if any of the following occur:
- Bacteria enter the root canal site during the procedure
- Your tooth’s root cracks
- You have a defective filling placed on top of your affected tooth
- Your dental crown decays
Signs of an Infected Root Canal
Even though it’s rare for an infection to develop, it can happen days, weeks, or years later. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t ignore them:
- Lingering or throbbing pain when you bite down or chew
- Tooth discoloration
- Swollen and tender gums
- A pimple on your gums
- Persistent bad breath
Call your Vienna dental office as soon as possible for an appointment if you have symptoms.
Need Information about Root Canals in Vienna, VA?
If you have questions about root canal therapy or the potential risks associated with root canals, we are here to help! Our dental team can answer your questions and help you form a treatment plan that works for you. Call us at (703) 281-7104 for more information or to schedule an appointment.