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A root canal is a precise procedure designed to remove infection, relieve pain, and preserve your natural tooth. Most treatments heal smoothly with excellent long-term results. In rare cases, a post‑treatment infection can occur; if you notice the below signs after a few days, contact your dentist. Early evaluation allows us to resolve complications quickly and protect your tooth’s health.
Don’t freak out! It’s treatable, and totally manageable especially if signs are detected early on in the infection after root canal. Let’s get into the funny and slightly icky super important world of infections after root canal, how to treat them, and what the possible cost could be for treating infection after root canal.
What Contributes to an Infection After a Root Canal?
An infection after root canal can take place for several reasons:
Hiding germs: Sometimes teeth contain tiny canals that are just difficult to see. If there are a few little buggers hiding in the side canals, then those germs could escape the cleanup crew.
Loose crowns or fillings: If your crown or filling isn’t sealed and tight, then germs can once again make their way in.
Delayed placement of your crown: Waiting too long for your final crown to be inserted is like leaving your front door wide open bacteria love an open house!
Cracked tooth: A hairline crack can turn into a five-star lodging for bacteria.
Immunocompromised state: If your immune system is compromised, there is a chance for bacteria to act up!
Now that we have the “why” settled, let’s get into the fun part how to know if your tooth is having a bacterial temper tantrum.
4 Signs of Infection After Root Canal
Here are the top signs of infection after root canal to watch for (and definitely not to ignore).
1. Pain persistent or getting worse
A little soreness after the treatment is completely normal. However, if the soreness continues to increase, feels throbbing, or is returning after a few days it’s time to call your dentist. This symptom is a classic sign of root canal infection symptoms.
Another thing to note is if you are noticing pain while chewing or even if you touch it slightly. If it feels as if your tooth is auditioning for a drama serial, it’s likely time for evaluation.
2. Redness or Swelling
Is there any swelling nearby your gums, cheek, or jaw? Or does the gum seem slightly more prominent than it usually does? These can all signify an infection after having a root canal. The swelling may feel warm or tender and might simply seem like mild swelling in your face.
3. Gum Puffiness or Pus.
I know this sounds gross, but it’s crucial. You may have formed a small pimple type bump on your gum, called a sinus tract, and it may be oozing pus from the bump. If you detect an unpleasant smell or taste, this is also a bad sign.
Your tooth is in essence still working with a lingering infection below the surface.. This should be a sign to get your tooth checked sooner than later too.
4. Tooth Discoloration.
Have you observed that one of your formerly bright white teeth now appears grey or dulled? That tooth is trying to signal you, “I am not well.” Grey or dull looking teeth are usually due to ongoing infection or breakdown of tissue inside.
Root Canal Infection Treatment
So you’ve noticed the signs, now what? Don’t panic your dentist has a plan! This is how to treat root canal infection successfully:
1. Call The Dentist Right Away
Please don’t just Google “DIY root canal” and start doing it yourself. Getting the early diagnosis will save you larger problems, bigger expenses.
2. Antibiotics
Your dentist may choose to prescribe antibiotics to help control the infection or that bacteria still produces the symptoms. Likewise, antibiotics may help with the symptoms, but will do nothing to eliminate the source of the problem. Antibiotics are back-up dancers or babysitters-not the headliner!!
3. Root Canal Retreatment
Sometimes the dentist can just re-open the tooth, take out some old filling material, proceed to flush it thoroughly again, then restuff again. Root canal retreatment is the most common way to treat root canal infection.
View it as the “director’s cut” version of your original root canal, except a little longer and more thorough.
4. Apicoectomy (a little surgical clean-up)
If you have an infection and it is hanging out next to the tip of the tooth root, procedures called apicoectomy may be done. Where the dentist removes some of the infected tissues, cleans, then seals the tip. It sounds intimidating, but it is a routine apicoectomy and can also be very successful.
5. Tooth Extraction (Final Option)
If the infection has reached too far, the tooth would need to be removed. There will be options of replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge, or leaving it un-replaced, But, don’t worry; this happens very rarely, and almost all cases could be avoided with immediate attention.
Book your FREE consultationRoot Canal Infection Treatment Cost in South India
At Partha Dental, we always believe that transparency is a key trait of stress-free dentistry. Although the exact cost of root canal treatment for existing infections will depend primarily on the complexity of the infected tooth, we have created an easy-to-follow guideline to help you:
| Treatment Type | Description | Approximate Cost (₹) |
| Antibiotic Course & Check-up | For mild infection, follow-ups & radiographs | ₹500 – ₹1,000 |
| Root Canal Retreatment (Existing Root Canal) | Re-cleaning and refilling infected canals | ₹4,000 – ₹7,000 per tooth |
| Apicoectomy (Surgical Treatment) | Surgical removal of infection at the tip of the tooth root | ₹8,000 – ₹12,000 per tooth |
| Extraction & Implant | Extraction and replacement (if tooth is not restorable) | ₹20,000 – ₹40,000 |
Tip: The sooner you get things evaluated, the more the costs will be lower and both you and your pocket will experience less pain!
An infection after a root canal is not the end of the story of your tooth, it is just a plot twist. Get the signs of an infection after a root canal, get the proper treatment for a root canal infection, and your tooth can live happily ever after.
At Partha Dental, we’re creating dental drama into success stories every day. Call us now– 04041420000 to schedule your check-up today and let’s ensure your root canal remains a happy ending, rather than a sequel.
FAQs
Yes! Even years after your previous root canal, an infection can develop due to a fracture or decay of the tooth or even a failing crown. But as long as you come to see us regularly, you will be assured to catch surprises before they do inside your body!
The only way to realize is from your body telling you. Be alert for symptoms of infection after you undergo root canal therapy, including pain, swelling in your mouth, a bad taste in your mouth, pus or lumps that look like pimples on your gum.
Not only antibiotics. Antibiotics may have some control for the spread of bacteria, but again they will do nothing to eliminate anything living inside the tooth. You will need to have a proper dental treatment.
No! There is so much focus on making treatments pain free for patients. Most patients had a retreatment they say was easier and less painful than any other root canal they had after they have been treated with new numbness gel and capitalized that the dentist immediately felt making the process less painful.
Absolutely! Get the crown on quickly, have great oral hygiene, avoid chewing very hard foods for a first few days, and have regular dental visits. Prevention is always better than treatment!
Dental Questions? We’re here to help!
Disclaimer:
The prices mentioned in this blog are indicative and may vary based on the severity of the condition, technology used, and materials suggested by the Dentist. They are accurate as of the date of publishing and subject to change as per clinic policy. Third-party or AI-generated estimates may not reflect actual clinic pricing. For accurate costs, please visit your nearest Partha Dental clinic.
