How can a root-treated tooth still hurt?

This is a question dentists often have to answer when a previously root-treated tooth is suspected as the source of new discomfort. “If the nerve has been removed, how can it hurt?” Root canal therapy removes the dental pulp (the nerve and blood supply), so many people assume the tooth can never hurt again.But pain … Continue reading How can a root-treated tooth still hurt?

Tooth causing a chronic focus of infection due to a missed root canal!

A previously root-filled tooth can sometimes develop a new dark lesion at the root tip years later—a sign of chronic infection (“focus”) caused by bacteria.It may or may not cause symptoms; over time it can turn into an abscess or a cyst. Extract the tooth or give it another chance? Before deciding, the dentist investigates … Continue reading Tooth causing a chronic focus of infection due to a missed root canal!

Replacement of old root canal fillings

It sometimes happens that a previously root-treated tooth needs to be retreated because it has become reinfected. An infection of a root canal filling can even remain unnoticed and symptom-free for a while. Sooner or later, however, if the root filling does not “seal” properly, bacteria that have entered the canal—or have not been removed … Continue reading Replacement of old root canal fillings