Can a Root Canal Cure a Tooth Infection? Understanding the Process

Tooth pain is no joke. And when someone mentions a root canal, it often makes things sound worse. The idea alone sends chills down some spines.

But here’s the thing: root canals aren’t something to fear. In fact, they’re the solution—not the problem. We’ll walk you through what a root canal therapy treatment is and how it works.

What Is a Tooth Infection?

A tooth infection, often called a dental abscess, happens when bacteria sneak deep into the tooth and cause an infection in the pulp—the soft, inner tissue.

Common symptoms include:

• Throbbing pain that doesn’t go away
• Swollen cheeks or gums
• Sensitivity to hot or cold drinks
• A nasty taste or smell in the mouth
• Fever or swollen lymph nodes

These infections usually don’t just appear out of the blue. They often begin with:

• Untreated cavities that dig into the pulp
• Cracked or broken teeth letting bacteria in
• Trauma to the mouth (even if there’s no visible damage)
• Failed fillings or dental work that no longer holds

If any of these sound familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options, either.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

The words “root canal” may sound like a medieval punishment. But in reality, it’s a pretty straightforward dental procedure. Let’s break it down.

1. Exam & X-rays – Your dentist checks the tooth and takes an X-ray to spot the infection and see how deep it goes.
2. Numbing the area – Local anesthesia ensures you won’t feel pain. Not a pinch.
3. Cleaning it out – The dentist removes the infected pulp tissue using tiny tools.
4. Disinfection – After the infected pulp is gone, the canals are cleaned and disinfected to kill lingering bacteria.
5. Sealing the tooth – Once cleaned, the empty space is filled, and the tooth is sealed. Later, a crown may be added to protect it.

Most patients say the process is more boring than painful. Thanks to modern tools and anesthesia, you’ll likely be more uncomfortable at the thought of it than the actual procedure.

Can a Root Canal Cure the Infection Completely?

Absolutely. Once the infected pulp is removed and the space is sealed, there’s no place left for the bacteria to thrive.

There are times, however, when your dentist might prescribe antibiotics, especially if:

• The infection has spread to nearby areas
• You’re running a fever or feeling sick overall
• The swelling has moved beyond the immediate tooth

The success rate for root canal services is very high. But success doesn’t just depend on the treatment—it depends on what you do next. Regular brushing, flossing, and follow-up visits help keep reinfection at bay.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

So, how do you know when it’s time to call your dentist in Lapeer? Here are a few red flags:

• Tooth pain that doesn’t let up
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Sensitivity that lingers after drinking hot coffee or a cold soda
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• A tooth that looks darker in comparison to the rest
• A small bump on the gums near the painful tooth (this is actually pus trying to escape)

Even if the pain goes away temporarily, don’t be fooled—it might mean the nerve is dead, but the infection is still active.

What Happens If You Don’t Treat the Infection?

Ignoring a tooth infection won’t make it disappear. It’ll make things worse—fast.

Here’s what might happen:

• The infection spreads – It can reach your jaw and face or even enter the bloodstream.
• Tooth loss – The tooth might need to be pulled.
• Bone damage – Infections eat away at the jawbone surrounding the tooth.
• Health risks – Severe infections can cause sepsis or impact your heart, especially if you have underlying conditions.

Think of an untreated infection as a ticking time bomb. The sooner it’s handled, the less damage it does.

Which One’s Better: Root Canal or Tooth Extraction

Choosing between a root canal and extraction relies on the tooth’s condition and your overall oral health. But whenever possible, dentists try to save the natural tooth. Why?

Benefits of keeping your teeth:

• Maintains your natural bite and smile
• Prevents nearby teeth from shifting
• Chewing feels normal
• Keeps jawbone structure strong

But when extraction might be needed:

• The tooth is too damaged to fix
• You can’t afford the restoration
• There’s repeated infection even after treatment

Still, for most patients, saving the tooth with a root canal provides better long-term outcomes and fewer future complications.

Final Thoughts

Root canals aren’t as scary as they sound—they’re a safe, fruitful way to treat tooth infections and save your natural smile. Don’t ignore the signs. The sooner you act, the better the outcome. Trust your dental health to experts who care. At Lapeer City Dental, we’re here to make your root canal experience smooth, painless, and successful.