Endodontic care · Hinckley
Root canal infection: recognising the signs
Bacteria affecting the tissue inside a tooth can sometimes lead to inflammation or infection around its roots. Symptoms range from obvious swelling to no pain at all.
What symptoms are possible?
Some people notice throbbing pain, tenderness when chewing, swelling of the gum or a small recurring spot that drains fluid. Other infections are only discovered during an X-ray taken for another reason.
Symptoms alone cannot establish how far an infection has spread or whether the affected tooth can be treated successfully.
How is an infection diagnosed?
The dentist will check the tooth and surrounding tissues, review your history and use imaging as appropriate. It is important to establish whether the issue is coming from the root canal system, the gum or another source.
What treatment addresses the cause?
If bacteria are within the root canal system, root canal treatment may help eliminate the source while retaining a restorable tooth. A previously filled tooth might require retreatment. Extraction can be considered when the tooth cannot reasonably be saved.
Antibiotics are not a substitute for dental treatment of the source. Whether they are needed depends on the clinical situation and signs of spreading or systemic infection.
When infection is urgent
Seek urgent dental care for swelling or worsening pain. If you have breathing or swallowing difficulty, severe swelling of the mouth or problems with your eye, call 999 or attend A&E.