Root canal treatment is necessary when a tooth’s pulp becomes damaged or infected, often due to a cavity or dental trauma. Signs indicating the need for root canal therapy include sensitivity to hot and cold foods or drinks, pain while biting or chewing, tooth looseness, swelling of the gums near the affected tooth, pus discharge, facial swelling, or spontaneous, unprovoked pain.
In the images below, an abscess can be seen forming at the lower end of a tooth located beneath a dental bridge. The first image shows a darkened area where bacteria have accumulated. The second image illustrates the shrinking abscess following treatment and canal filling. The third image reveals the healed abscess.
If left untreated, infection may cause serious complications:
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Spreading infection: Bacteria multiply in the pulp chamber, potentially leading to a severe infection or abscess. The infection can extend to surrounding bone, enter the bloodstream, or affect other facial structures.
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Bone loss: The body’s response to infection can cause surrounding bone to deteriorate.
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Tooth loss: Ultimately, an untreated infected tooth may require extraction.
Dr. Kaufman has successfully treated many patients by disinfecting infected canals, healing abscesses, and sealing the canals to save their natural teeth.
Another example below shows a patient presenting with significant swelling due to an abscess originating from a root canal. After healing, the tooth was restored with a crown to provide optimal function and aesthetics.
Sequence: Abscess under tooth → Treatment started → Abscess healing → Healed abscess with crown placed.