A severe tooth infection can cause significant pain and may require tooth extraction. But is extraction always necessary, or can a tooth be saved after infection? In this article, we answer this question and discuss how an endodontic treatment can help.
Can a Tooth Be Saved After Infection?
A tooth can be saved after infection, provided that the infection has not destroyed the tooth’s structure or spread to the surrounding tissue (gums, jawbone, and teeth). Let us look at how infected teeth are typically treated.
Treating an Infected Tooth with Root Canal Therapy
Root canal therapy is an endodontic procedure that removes infected pulp from the inner chambers of the tooth and cleans its canals. Once the tooth is free of infection, it is filled with special biocompatible material and hermetically sealed. Additionally, antibacterial medication can be placed in the tooth to prevent reinfection.
Root canal therapy is typically performed under a local anesthetic, which blocks pain during the procedure. Patients often experience significant pain relief right after the procedure compared to pre-procedure pain caused by infection. In most cases, root canal therapy takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the tooth’s location and the extent of the infection.
Root canal recovery usually takes around 7 days, during which you can experience mild swelling, soreness, and tooth sensitivity to hot and cold foods and drinks. During this period, you will have to switch to soft foods, maintain sufficient oral hygiene, and avoid strenuous activities. Additionally, your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to prevent complications.
When You Might Need a Dental Crown
Often, a tooth that was severely infected and has undergone root canal therapy is structurally weakened, meaning it might crack in the future under chewing and biting pressure. Also, a weakened tooth can become reinfected if not protected.
In such cases, your dentist will recommend placing a crown after the root canal procedure. A crown reinforces the tooth and protects it from damage, prolonging its life. Modern crowns are typically made of porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal, which offer a natural appearance and durability.
When an Infected Tooth Has to Be Extracted
As we mentioned earlier, in cases when the tooth’s structure is severely damaged by infection or the infection has spread to the surrounding tissue, your tooth is likely to require extraction. Also, if the infection, even if not very severe, is in a wisdom tooth, your dentist is likely to recommend extraction rather than a root canal, as wisdom teeth are typically not necessary for proper chewing function. Additionally, a tooth that has undergone a root canal and has become reinfected is often extracted, as it cannot withstand a second root canal procedure.
Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that is typically quick, taking only 5 to 10 minutes. Tooth extraction recovery takes 10 to 14 days. You might be prescribed a course of antibiotics after the extraction to combat infection of the surrounding tissue.
Once your jawbone and gums heal after the extraction, you can replace the tooth with a dental bridge (an artificial tooth supported by surrounding teeth) or a dental implant (a metal post inserted directly into the jawbone with a dental crown attached to it).
Make an Appointment at Turquoise Dental
If you experience a toothache, do not postpone your dental visit. Remember that the longer you wait, the more your chances of saving the tooth decrease. Make an appointment with an experienced specialty dentist in Mission Viejo today. We are looking forward to your visit.
