In early September, I had a root canal on my upper left canine, but the temporary filling came out. After that, an abscess formed on my gum. I went back to my dentist, and she said I need a second root canal to treat the abscess. The tooth doesn’t hurt unless I press on it. Would antibiotics help, or is another root canal the only option? – Thanks. Korey from PA
Korey,
You need another root canal treatment to remove the resurfaced infection. When a dentist performs root canal therapy, they clean the inside of the tooth and seal the root with filling material and cement. That seal must stay covered to prevent saliva and bacteria from entering.
At the end of treatment, the dentist places a temporary filling to protect the seal until the permanent crown or filling is placed. These temporary materials are designed for easy removal, so they are temporary. When the filling comes out, saliva seeps in, breaks down the seal, and allows infection to return within days.
Why Antibiotics Can’t Cure a Tooth Infection
Root canal treatment helps prevent tooth loss and replacement
Antibiotics work through the bloodstream, but they can’t reach the inside of a treated tooth. They may temporarily relieve swelling or drainage, but they don’t eliminate the source of infection. Once you stop taking antibiotics, the abscess in an untreated tooth reappears. Extended antibiotic use can cause antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
An untreated tooth increases these risks:
- Spread of infection to the eye or brain from the upper jaw
- Severe internal decay that can destroy the tooth from the inside out and require tooth replacement
Repeating root canal treatment is healthier, less costly, and less time consuming than declining your dentist’s recommendation.
Dr. David Pumphrey, an Atlanta periodontist, sponsors this post.
