Antibiotics can play a vital role in managing root canal infections, but they are not a standalone solution. They are typically used to manage the spread of the infection and to provide temporary relief from symptoms.
When you have a root canal infection, the main problem lies inside the tooth, in the pulp chamber, where the tooth's nerve and blood vessels are located. Antibiotics, taken orally or intravenously, travel through the bloodstream and may not effectively reach the inside of the tooth. Therefore, while they can help control an infection that has spread to surrounding tissues, they will not fully resolve an infection inside the tooth itself.
The definitive treatment for a root canal infection is a root canal procedure. During this treatment, the dentist or endodontist will remove the infected pulp tissue, clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth, and then fill and seal the tooth. This procedure directly addresses the source of the infection and prevents it from occurring or spreading further.
That said, in some cases, a dentist might prescribe antibiotics before or after a root canal procedure:
Before the Procedure: If the infection has spread and caused an abscess (a pus-filled pocket) or swelling in the face, or if the patient has a fever, antibiotics may be prescribed to control the infection before the procedure.
After the Procedure: Although not common, antibiotics might be prescribed after the root canal treatment if the dentist believes there's a risk that the infection could spread, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.
How do you save an infected root canal?
In New Hyde Park, NY, our dental professionals are skilled at handling cases of infected root canals with the primary goal of saving the natural tooth. The primary method to save a tooth with an infected root canal is through a root canal treatment.
The first step in the process is to thoroughly numb the area around the affected Tooth to ensure your comfort throughout the Procedure. Once numbed, the dentist creates an opening in the crown of the Tooth to access the infected pulp within the root canal.
After gaining access, the dentist will carefully remove the pulp from inside the Tooth. This step is critical as the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels, is Where the infection Resides. Removing it halts the spread of infection and Relieves pain.
Following the Removal of the pulp, the dentist proceeds to clean the inside of the tooth, including the root canal itself. This is done using a series of small, Flexible Instruments that Scrape and Scrub the Walls of the Canals. Cleaning the Canals is vital to ensure all bacteria are removed, and the tooth is properly Disinfected, preventing potential Future infections.
Once Cleaned and Disinfected, the Empty Space Inside the Tooth is Filled. This step is typically performed using a Rubber-Like Material called Gutta-Percha. The Gutta-Percha is Heated and Compressed into the Canal to Seal it Off, Providing a Solid Foundation for the Tooth's Structure.
