Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 3 minutes
Root canal treatment is designed to remove infection from inside a tooth and help preserve it long-term. In some cases, however, a previously treated tooth can become infected again if bacteria re-enter the canal system or if part of the original infection was not fully resolved.
We provide dental care for the whole family at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton, and Hampden. We proudly accept Medicaid and make quality dental care accessible for every child.
Table of Contents
Dental and Vision Care in One Convenient Location
At our Denver and Aurora locations, Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics and Youth Vision are conveniently located in the same building. This means your child can receive both dental and vision care at one familiar location, without extra travel or scheduling stress.
What Are The Symptoms Of An Infected Root Canal?
The most common symptoms of an infected root canal include:
- Throbbing or persistent tooth pain
- Pressure or sharp pain when biting
- Swelling of the gums near the tooth
- A pimple-like bump on the gums
- Bad taste or drainage in the mouth
- Lingering hot or cold sensitivity
- Tenderness in the jaw near the tooth
- Pain that returns after previously improving
These symptoms often feel similar to the original infection that led to the first root canal. A treated tooth should not develop new pain after healing, so recurring symptoms usually need prompt evaluation.
Why A Root Canal Can Get Infected Again
A reinfected root canal usually happens when bacteria find a way back into the tooth. This may happen for several reasons.
Common causes include:
- Tiny accessory canals that were difficult to clean initially
- Cracks in the tooth
- A loose, broken, or delayed crown
- NNew decay around the treated tooth
- Bacteria leaking under an old filling
- Complex root anatomy that was missed during the first procedure
Even well-treated teeth can sometimes need retreatment if the anatomy is unusually complex.
When Symptoms May Signal A Dental Abscess
Some reinfections stay localized, while others spread beyond the root tip into the surrounding bone and gum tissue.
Signs this may be progressing into an abscess include:
- Facial swelling
- Visible gum swelling
- Pus drainage
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Worsening pain that feels like pressure
- Pain with chewing
- Fever in more advanced cases
A dental abscess should be treated quickly to prevent further spread of infection.
How An Infected Root Canal Is Treated
Treatment depends on why the tooth became infected again. In many cases, the tooth can still be saved.
Root Canal Retreatment
The previous filling material is removed, the canals are cleaned and disinfected again, and the tooth is resealed. This is often the first choice when the tooth structure is still strong.
Apicoectomy
If the infection is concentrated near the tip of the root, a small surgical procedure may be used to remove the infected root tip and surrounding tissue.
Crown Or Filling Replacement
If leakage around an older restoration caused the problem, replacing the crown or filling may be part of treatment.
Tooth Extraction
If the crack extends too deeply or the tooth cannot be predictably saved, extraction may be recommended.
Protecting Your Tooth With Early Endodontic Evaluation
The sooner a reinfected root canal is diagnosed, the better the chance of saving the natural tooth. At Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics, we evaluate persistent tooth pain, gum swelling, bite discomfort, and signs of reinfection using imaging and clinical examination.
If you had a root canal performed at one of our locations and begin experiencing pain, swelling, or other new symptoms, a prompt evaluation can help determine whether the tooth needs retreatment or additional care.
Dentist in Aurora, CO
If you had a root canal performed at Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics and are experiencing prolonged pain or suspect reinfection, call the location where your surgery was performed for guidance.
To schedule an appointment at our Aurora location, call (303) 343-3133 or visit us at 14251 E 6th Ave, Aurora, CO 80011.
Other locations:
📍Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics in Denver | (303) 825-2295
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics | (720) 826-3694
FAQs
Can a root canal get infected years later?
A treated tooth can become reinfected months or years later if bacteria enter through a cracked crown, new decay, or previously hidden canals.
What does an infected root canal feel like?
It often feels like throbbing pain, pressure when biting, swelling near the tooth, or a dull ache that keeps returning.
Is a gum pimple near a root canal tooth serious?
A pimple-like bump on the gums may indicate drainage from an abscess and should be evaluated promptly.
Can an infected root canal be fixed without pulling the tooth?
In many cases, yes. Retreatment or apical surgery can often save the tooth if enough healthy structure remains.
