Can Cavity in Root Canal Tooth Develop | All You Need to Know   

Your teeth are like prime real estate for cavities. They wait eagerly for any hint of carelessness to swoop in and make themselves at home. But when it comes to the scenario of a cavity in a tooth after a root canal, it’s a whole different ballgame. 

A root canal-treated tooth is like the VIP suite of dental treatments. It’s been through the works, receiving special care and attention. Let’s get to know if a cavity in the root canal tooth can even develop knowing it received all needed attention and care already!

Can You Get Cavity in Root Canal Tooth?

Yes, it is possible to get a cavity in a root canal tooth. The remaining bacteria might wait, and if oral care will not be maintained, they can develop more and cause root canal decay. Harm to the sealant or breaks in the tooth can also give pathways to bacteria, which leads to hole or cavity development. 

Here are some of the signs of a rotten root canal tooth so you can take some precautionary measures if you see any,

Signs of Rotten Root Canal Tooth      

Pus Discharge:

The discharge of pus around the rotten tooth is a sign of root canal decay. Most of the time it is frequently joined by delicacy and swelling.

Dental Abscess:

When the infection spreads, an abscess forms which can also cause a painful swelling filled with pus. Timely treatment is necessary if you detect this sign otherwise it can lead to serious complications.

Pain and Discomfort:

Persistent and severe pain around the site can be a signal of infection and getting a hole or cavity in the root canal tooth.

Chronic Bad Breath or Bad Taste:

The bacteria related to the rotten root canal tooth can cause constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth that does not go away with normal oral care.

Tooth Discoloration:

Tooth discoloration or tooth darkening may appear in the tooth surrounding, which indicates infection.     

Step-by-Step Process of Second Root Canal Treatment  

 

The Diagnosis:

The dentist starts by evaluating the tooth’s condition through a careful assessment and prefers tests like X-rays. After that, they find out the reason for the failure of the initial root canal treatment.

Anesthesia Process:

Before starting the second treatment for the cavity in the root canal tooth, the dentists prefer anesthesia. They usually use a small needle and inject an anesthetic solution which numbs the surrounding tissues.

Cleaning and Disinfection:

The canals are entirely cleaned and sanitized to wipe out the bacteria. In this step, the dentist removes the infected tissue or the filling from the root canals by using a specific instrument.

Obturation:

This step includes filling the canals with a biocompatible material, e.g. gutta-percha is used by dentists to seal them and protect them from reinfection.

Restoration:

After successfully retreating the rotten root canal tooth, it is reestablished with a temporary or permanent filling material.  

Cavity Prevention After a Root Canal    

Preventions to avoid any cavity in root canal teeth include,

• Maintaining good oral hygiene will help you remove bacteria and reduce the risk of new cavities, root canal decay, and infections.
• If you are a smoker, It is a must to avoid smoking to prevent cavities. Smoking can increase the risk of dental problems and lead to failure of root canal treatment.
• Try to avoid chewing on hard food items, as this might harm your treated tooth or the filling material and it becomes easy to get a cavity after a root canal.

By implementing these preventive measures, you can surely achieve long-term success in treating cavities in the tooth after a root canal and protecting it completely.

 

FAQs   

 

Can you fill a cavity on a root canal? 

Yes, you can fill a cavity on a tooth that has undergone a root canal process. The dentist can eliminate the cavity of the tooth and fill it with a suitable dental filling material.     

How painful is a root cavity? 

The pain of a root cavity depends upon the seriousness of decay and infection in the teeth of a person. It can go from mild sensitivity to intense or persistent pain depending upon the cavity after root canal so it varies from person to person.

Is it safe to leave a root canal open?

Leaving a root canal open is not safe because when you leave the root canal open the risk of getting infection in it will increase.

Can you feel a cavity with your finger?

Yes, it is possible to feel a cavity with your finger, particularly if it is located in an easy-access area of the tooth. Cavities can make a noticeable surface on your tooth, which may feel irregular when you touch it with your finger.