So first of all, it is better to learn the difference between these pains.

Signs of tooth infection Done

Many times, the infection of a denervated tooth occurs due to the penetration of bacteria into the root canals or areas around the tooth. So early recognition of the symptoms can prevent more severe complications such as tooth abscess, bone loss or the need for surgery.

Next, we will discuss the most important warning signs of this type of infection.

1. Continuous or throbbing pain

One of the first and most common symptoms of denervated tooth infection is the pain that continues after denervation or as it is known, it takes and goes away!

This pain may be felt in a pulsating manner and can be present even when resting. A pain that is permanent and more severe than normal pain after treatment (which decreases within a few days).

2. Swelling of the gums or face

Swelling in the area around the denervated tooth, especially if it is accompanied by sensitivity, heat or redness, can indicate the accumulation of infection in the soft tissues or even the occurrence of an abscess. To the extent that in more advanced cases, this swelling may also spread to the cheeks or neck.

In such a situation, one of the common concerns of patients is to know the price of tooth extraction 1404, which has become one of the most frequent questions in dental offices these days. is.

3. Bad breath or unpleasant taste

Dental infection can lead to the production of secretions that create an unpleasant taste or smell in the mouth. If you still feel a bad smell or a bitter taste after brushing your teeth or using mouthwash, there is a possibility of an infection in your treated tooth, and in this case, tooth infection treatment at home may be temporary and you should visit a dentist to diagnose and treat the root cause of the infection.

Read more: How long should we fill the tooth after nerve extraction?

4. The discharge of pus from the gums or around the teeth

Sometimes, the accumulation of infection in the tissues around the root causes pus to drain from the gums in drops or continuously. This symptom is usually accompanied by swelling and severe pain and requires immediate treatment. Fever and lethargy

If the infection spreads, the body will face a systemic inflammatory reaction. Fever, headache, lethargy and feeling tired are among the symptoms that are observed in more advanced stages and should not be ignored.

6. Tooth discoloration

In some cases, a reinfected tooth may turn gray or dark in color. Most of the time, this color change is caused by the internal destruction of the dental tissues, remaining infectious materials, or among others reasons for tooth darkening after denervation.

7. Sensitivity to touch or pressure

If the treated tooth hurts when touched, pressed or chewed, this could be a sign of infection or inflammation in the tooth denervated around the root. In normal cases, this sensitivity goes away after a few days, but if it continues, it needs a specialist investigation.

Reasons of re-infection of the tooth after denervation

There are several reasons that can cause the return or reoccurrence of the infection of the denervated tooth. It is a tooth that has already undergone root canal treatment. For example, one of these reasons is incomplete treatment of the root. That is, if during nerve extraction, the root canals are not properly cleaned or filled by the dentist, the possibility of bacteria remaining inside that tooth increases and this leads to re-infection.

Cracking or fracture of the tooth is another factor that can lead to re-infection. Microscopic cracks or tiny fractures in the tooth structure can allow bacteria to enter the internal tissues of the tooth, even if the root canal treatment has been done correctly.

Bacterial penetration from the crown or improper restoration may also cause problems. If the coating or filling of the tooth is not done correctly or if it leaks over time, bacteria can easily penetrate into the tooth and cause infection. Finally, re-decay around the treated tooth is another common cause of infection of the denervated tooth. If these areas are not repaired in time, bacteria will have the opportunity to enter the internal channels of the tooth and cause inflammation or infection to occur again.

So make sure that the final and accurate diagnosis should only be made by a dentist, and self-diagnosis based on external symptoms, without imaging or specialized examination, can lead to ignoring the problem or delaying the treatment.

Methods for treating nerved tooth infection

1. Re-treatment of the root (Re-treatment)

If the cause of the infection of the denervated tooth is the previous incomplete treatment, the dentist must perform the root treatment process again. Even if the tooth is filled or covered.

In this method dentist specializing in root canal treatment (endodontist) first removes the previous filling material from inside the canals. Then, using advanced tools, he cleans the root canals more precisely and deeply and removes the remaining or new infection. After complete cleaning, he fills the canals again with special materials to prevent the re-entry of bacteria.

If the tooth can be preserved structurally, root canal treatment is one of the best options to save the tooth.

2. Apicoectomy (Apicoectomy)

Apicoectomy or end-of-root surgery is an advanced method to treat denervated tooth infection. Especially when the primary root treatment or even re-treatment has not been successful.

In this method, the gum in the desired area is pushed aside to expose the bone and the tip of the tooth root. Then, the end part of the root that is involved in the infection is carefully removed along with the infected tissues around it.

After cleaning, the tip of the canal is also sealed (flooded) from the inside to prevent the leakage of bacteria. At the end, the surgical site is sutured and the recovery period usually lasts a few days.

Apicoectomy is prescribed in situations where other non-surgical methods are not possible or do not have the necessary effectiveness, but still its goal is to preserve the natural tooth.

3. Tooth extraction

If the tooth in question is so damaged that it cannot be treated (for example, in case of severe root destruction, deep cracks, extensive fracture or uncontrollable infection) pulling the tooth will be the only remaining option.

This work is done using sterile instruments under completely hygienic conditions and under anesthesia.

After the tooth extraction, too. To prevent displacement of adjacent teeth and disturbance of chewing or speech function, it is recommended to replace the missing tooth with one of the alternative methods such as dental implant, bridge (dental bridge) or removable dental prosthesis to be filled.

Choosing an alternative method depends on the general health status of the patient, the amount of bone resorption and the treatment budget.

Prevention of denervated tooth infection

• Regular oral and dental hygiene (brush, dental floss, mouthwash)
• Follow up periodic examination sessions by Dentist
• Immediate repair of broken, decayed or leaking teeth
• Avoid chewing hard foods with the treated tooth
• Using a suitable cover after denervation to further protect the tooth structure

Consequences of neglecting denervated tooth infection

Ignoring warning signs and not treating denervated tooth infection in time can lead to serious complications and Sometimes it becomes irreparable. Among these complications, we can mention the formation of an abscess in the tooth or even the bone, the spread of infection to other areas of the body such as the sinuses, and in more severe cases, the entry of bacteria into the bloodstream and the occurrence of the dangerous complication of sepsis.

It is even possible that if there is no proper treatment intervention, the tooth will be completely lost and need to be extracted. A condition that, if it occurs, the patient will have to undergo more advanced and expensive surgical treatments such as implants or dental bone grafting. As a result, neglecting primary treatments can not only endanger oral and dental health, but also cause a significant increase in dental nerve extraction costs and subsequent treatment steps. src="https://cdn.drbonyanian.com/uploads/2025/07/How-do-we-know-if-a-root-canaled-tooth-is-infected2.webp">

Summary of the question of how to know if a root canaled tooth is infected

Infection of a root canaled tooth is considered one of the serious problems in the field of endodontics treatments. Recognizing the symptoms, timely follow-up, and visiting a specialist dentist are the most important success factors in the treatment of this condition.

So any pain or unusual change in a tooth that has already been denervated should be taken seriously. Many possible complications can be prevented by observing hygiene principles and regular visits to the dental clinic.

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Frequently asked questions about how to know if a denervated tooth is infected?

Can a denervated tooth infection heal by itself?

No. This type of infection requires professional treatment and without dental intervention, it not only does not heal, but may spread.

How long after root canal is there a chance of infection?

Infection may occur immediately or even years after root canal treatment, especially if the final restoration is not done correctly.

Is it possible to treat a tooth infection without extracting it? Does it?

Yes. In many cases, the tooth can be saved with retreatment of the root or root end surgery.

How much does it cost to retreat a denervated tooth infection?

Costs vary depending on the extent of the damage, the need for surgery, and the type of restoration. A careful examination and evaluation in the dental clinic is essential.

Do all denervated teeth need veneers?

In most cases, yes. The coating increases the durability and protects the treated tooth against breakage or bacterial penetration.

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