Can a tooth that has had a root canal become abscessed?

Answer 1

A root canal procedure can be started while an infection (abscess) is present but but probably not completed until another day, and it may be quite painful.The reason it will be painful is if the infection is located in such a way that it prevents the effective use of local anesthetics. Local anesthetics do not work well in infected tissues. During the procedure, the nerve of the tooth is exposed, touched directly, and removed. Local anesthetics are extremely necessary.

Once the tooth is opened there will be a large quantity of exudate (pus) present as well as blood. In order for the root canal to be completed properly, the bleeding and the exudate need to be gone. The long term success of the root canal is dependent on this.

An alternative would be to go on a regimen of antibiotics for a few days to knock down the infection and reduce the blood supply to the infected tooth. The root canal can then be completed, and it should be a lot more comfortable.

Ask your dentist about your options.

Answer 2

Depending on how bad the infection is, you can get an RCT on an abscessed tooth. Unless the infection is bad enough to where you need to go to the ER either because of excruciating pain or a puss pocket the size of a Golf ball, then a dentist can treat the tooth within a few weeks once you begin a regimen of antibiotics.

You do not want to get an RCT right away if you have an active, pussing, oozing "pimple on the gums" infection because this can make it difficult to numb your tooth for the procedure. Therefore, the dentist will make sure you've been taking antibiotics at least 5 days prior to beginning RCT or referring you to an Endo specialist.

Abscesses can vary in size and severity, so in most cases an RCT can be started right away even though a tooth is abscessed, and antibiotics will be prescribed before or after the procedure in any case.

Answer 3

yes