Symptoms of an Infected Root Canal

An infected root canal is a serious dental condition when bacteria, left untreated for too long, reaches the inner canals of the tooth. This can result from either trauma to the mouth or from tooth decay. Once bacteria reaches the soft pulp of the tooth below the enamel, the condition is serious and should be treated on an emergency basis.

Dr. Firas Rahman and the team of oral healthcare professionals at Instyle Dental Group Office, located in the 77080 area code of Houston, Texas, want to educate their patients, current and new, to recognize the symptoms of a root canal infection.

Pain

Pain is the main symptom that causes patients to seek dental care. There is sensitivity to hot and cold foods and liquids, as well as pain when pressure is applied to the tooth.

Swelling and Tenderness to the Gum Line

Any swelling and tenderness will be localized, meaning these symptoms will show up in the areas of the infection.  The gums will be very tender and will appear very red in color.

Tooth Darkening

The infected tooth will be either yellow or brown in color. The infection, the darkened area, will be removed during the root canal treatment.  The remaining tooth will be capped with a crown to brighten the color and appear natural.

Abscess

An abscess, causing pain and bad breath, is a pimple-like knot that will form on the gums at the tip of the tooth’s root.  Over time, the abscess will leak foul-smelling fluid.  During a root canal procedure, the abscess will be drained and the bacteria and all damaged tissue will be removed.

Chronic Bad Breath

An infection may be present if a patient experiences bad breath after brushing, flossing and rinsing.  In addition to chronic bad breath, there will also be a foul taste in the mouth.

If you feel these symptoms pertain to you, then please contact Instyle Dental Group, located in Houston, Texas, for a free consultation or a free second opinion.  The dental professionals at Instyle Dental Group are trusted and highly recommended for root canal treatments in Houston, Texas 77080, as well as general and cosmetic dentistry procedures and specialities.

Dr. Firas Rahman and his staff always welcome new patients.