Can a Root Canal Tooth Get Infected?

Can a Root Canal Tooth Get Infected?

Can a Root Canal Tooth Get Infected?

Have you ever wondered if that tooth you had a root canal on years ago could become infected again? It’s a common question we hear at Sandquist Dental in Las Vegas, and we understand your concern. After all, you’ve already invested time and effort into saving your tooth – the last thing you want is another dental issue to worry about.

Understanding Root Canal Treatment

When you get a root canal, we carefully remove infected or damaged pulp from inside your tooth. Think of it like renovating a house – we clean out all the damaged material, disinfect the space thoroughly, and then seal it up to prevent future problems. The procedure itself has an impressive success rate of over 95%, especially when performed by experienced practitioners like our team at Sandquist Dental.

Can a Root Canal Tooth Get Infected?

The short answer is yes – but don’t panic! While it’s possible for a root-canaled tooth to develop an infection, it’s relatively rare when the procedure is done properly and you maintain good oral hygiene. Think of your treated tooth like a carefully sealed time capsule. As long as that seal remains intact, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, various circumstances can potentially compromise this protection.

Factors Contributing to Post-Root Canal Infections

Several factors might lead to a new infection in a previously treated tooth. Sometimes, it’s due to complex root anatomy that wasn’t fully addressed during the initial treatment. Other times, a delayed crown placement might allow bacteria to sneak in. Occasionally, a crack might develop in the tooth, creating a new pathway for bacteria. Even a seemingly minor detail, like a loose filling, can potentially create an opening for infection to develop.

Recognizing Signs of Post-Root Canal Infection

Your body is pretty good at sending warning signals when something’s not right. If you notice persistent pain or swelling around a tooth that’s had a root canal, don’t ignore it. Other signs might include sensitivity to hot or cold, a pimple-like bump on your gum, or discomfort when biting down. These symptoms don’t automatically mean you have an infection, but they’re worth getting checked out.

Preventive Measures and Aftercare

Here’s the good news: you have a lot of control over keeping your treated tooth healthy. Regular brushing and flossing are your first line of defense. Think of your oral hygiene routine as maintaining that protective seal we created during your root canal. Regular dental check-ups allow us to spot potential issues before they become problems. Also, if your dentist recommends a crown after your root canal, don’t delay – it’s crucial for protecting your treated tooth.

Root Canal Treatment in Las Vegas

Las Vegas residents trust Sandquist Dental for their root canal needs, and we take that trust seriously. Our practice combines state-of-the-art technology with gentle, patient-centered care. We understand that getting a root canal might not be on your list of favorite activities (though with today’s techniques, it’s much more comfortable than you might expect!), but protecting your natural teeth is always worth the effort.

Consider this: your natural teeth are designed to last a lifetime, and with proper care, even a root-canaled tooth can serve you well for decades. That’s why we emphasize both exceptional treatment and thorough patient education. We want you to feel confident about your dental care decisions and empowered to maintain your oral health.

Take Action Today

Don’t let concerns about your root canal treatment keep you up at night. Schedule a check-up at Sandquist Dental and let us help you maintain your healthy smile. Our friendly team is ready to answer your questions and provide the expert care you deserve in our welcoming Las Vegas office.

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Sandquist Dentistry Las Vegas

Visit Us

We are located in the Commercial Finance Building. It’s a yellow two story building on the East side of Lake Sahara. Our entrance is on the east side of the building on the first floor.

Hours
Monday – Thursday
7:00am – 5:00pm

Payment & Savings Options

Insurance

We are a Fee-for-Service dental office and file insurance claims for our patients for direct reimbursement to them. You will receive payment from your insurance company for dental treatment done in our practice, except for HMO plans that require an HMO clinic.

Optimal Dental Health Program

Our Optimal Dental Health Program offers yearly savings and 10% off most dental services when you pre pay for your hygiene visits, exams and x rays.

Financing

We offer third–party financing options like CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit.

FAQs

How long do dentist appointments take?

A routine dentist appointment for regular dental exams and hygiene visits take one hour. For new patient exams we schedule 90 minutes. For specific dental procedures you’ll want to talk to Dr. Sandquist’s team to understand the length of time required for your treatment.

No. We do not pull teeth. During your consultation, if we see that you have teeth that need to be removed we will refer you to a trusted specialist and coordinate to ensure the restoration of your teeth.

Yes, we are a Gold Invisalign provider! Dr. Lee-Mirzayan straightens teeth and corrects mild to moderate bite issues with Invisalign custom-made clear aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place, like traditional braces but without metal wires or brackets.  Request a free consultation with Sandquist Dentistry Las Vegas online.

Full-mouth rehabilitation is a comprehensive dental treatment plan that restores the function, aesthetics, and health of the entire mouth by addressing issues with teeth, gums, and bite alignment. It often involves a combination of procedures, such as crowns, veneers, implants, and periodontal treatments, tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Start by getting a consultation with a trustworthy dentist, like Dr. Sandquist. Though full mouth rehabilitation is not always necessary, digital imaging, X-rays, and a detailed assessment of your teeth, gums, jaw, and bite allow us to make a treatment plan. Restorative work (crowns, bridges, or implants), cosmetic improvements (veneers or teeth whitening), and functional corrections (orthodontics or TMJ therapy) are all part of your personalized treatment plan. At Sandquist Dentistry in Las Vegas, we are here to get your oral health, function, and appearance back to their best.

Myofunctional therapy is a series of exercises designed to improve the strength, coordination, and function of the tongue, lips, and facial muscles. It addresses issues like tongue thrust, mouth breathing, improper swallowing, or poor oral posture, which can contribute to dental problems, sleep apnea, or jaw pain.

You might need myofunctional therapy if you experience symptoms like chronic mouth breathing, speech difficulties, teeth grinding, or an open bite, or if your dentist identifies functional habits affecting your oral health. At Sandquist Dentistry in Las Vegas, Dr. Lee-Mirzayan, DDS, is certified in myofunctional therapy and, through consultation, will help you determine whether it’s right for you.

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