How long can I leave an infected root canal?

Question

I have read some very scary responses on here. I had a root canal about a year ago through a public dentist, with no crown.
A year later it's sore, and they're telling me it's possible infected/cracked and I have to wait two years to see an Endodontist. Is this safe to leave it this long?? I've read about infections getting into the bone and going to brain, or heart failure. The dentist didn't seem to concerned, just told me to take antibiotics which won't really cure it, but get rid of the pain.
What should I do?

Answer 1

You can always seek treatment from any dentist to relieve the pain.

However, it's not good to leave the root canal exposed after it's been treated. The importance of a coronal seal is just as important to prevent reinfection of the root canal system.

Reinfection of the root canal system usually occurs in the absence of a coronal seal in the form of a filling or crown, and if the tooth is salvageable, it would most likely need to be retreated.

Antibiotics do NOT cure the problem, and does not directly get rid of the pain. It only temporarily masks the problem of infection. Only a proper root canal treatment and subsequent coronal restoration, such as a crown, can reduce the recurrence of the problem.

If you can't wait that long, extraction of the tooth, and space maintenance with a transitional denture is a possible option. Discuss this with your dentist.

Answer 2

I would get a second opinion. I don't understand sometimes how people think. We will spend all kinds of money on movies, Cd's, alcohol, fast foods,and even haircuts But when it comes to our health we can't seem to find or afford the money to see a doctor. All I know is that a friend of the family refused to see a dentist and the tooth got infected. the infection finally reached a nerve and left his face fallen to the side.When I first saw him I thought he had had a stroke. Some things can't be reversed . Please take care of yourself even if you have to make a payment plan with your dentist. I know some offices do this like western dental.

Answer 3

I don't realize sometimes how a person think. we can fork out almost all versions regarding money in movies, Cd's, alcohol, speedily foods,and even haircuts But Any time That comes to be able to MY OWN health we can not seem to find as well as afford your current dollars for you to Visit the doctor. just about all i realize is usually The idea the friend of any family refused to be able to Visit the dentist along with the tooth achieved it infected. your infection finally reached the nerve AND ALSO left his face fallen towards side.When when i very first saw him i thought he had had an stroke. several items are not able to end up being reversed . Please acquire care associated with yourself even if it is advisable to Make a transaction

Answer 4

Where are you? Is this England or Canada where you have go though the government medical system? If you are anywhere that has private dentists and they are halfway good I'd go to a private doctor. You'll have to pay for it yourself but you won't have to wait two years for an appointment.
Yes it's true that letting dental infections go can adversely affect your heart, brain, and your whole body, really. But if the government dentist is it I don't see what choice you have.

Answer 5

do you have an absces, or swelling??
2 years is to long, 6 monthes is enough to detect any changes in x-rays. so take an x-ray and go to a dentist,

and yes infection may travell to bone but in v.v. rare casea(e,g malignansices)

the antiboitics r not a permenant solution as there isnt any antibioti that is effective against all the bacteria of the infetion, so have to remake the endo or extract the tooth , and empty the absces if prestent

Answer 6

see another dentist, any dentist can do endodontic treatment, so why u have to wait two years in beyond me, what country are you in????
i would not leave it for so long, its unlikely you would have any serious health problems, but an infection is an infection at the end of the day,
good luck

Answer 7

I'd find another doctor, and just get the tooth pulled and replaced with a false one. It will probably be cheaper. However, you really need to make sure you take all your meds so it doesn't just linger. Ask your gp for better antibiotics that might actually clear the infection up.