About Steven Litwin DDS Expertise I can answer all questions pertaining to dental health for all ages. Topics can include but not be limited to: TMD/migraines; Orthodontics, Implants, cosmetic procedures, crowns, veneers, periodontics (gum treatment), oral surgery, and other areas of interest/concern in the dental field.
Experience I am a practicing dentist in the Baltimore area and have been for over twenty years. I have treated thousands of patients over the years and continue to provide dental health care for them in all aspects of dentistry. I also include non invasive treatment for patients having been diagnosed with TMD and/or chronic headaches/migraines and have had great success without the use of medications.
Organizations Member of The Greater Baltimore Implant Study Club
Education/Credentials I graduated from Georgetown University Dental School in 1987 with a D.D.S. degree. I have completed countless continuing education programs throughout the years in all areas of dentistry.
Past/Present Clients I have patients that travel from out of state to have me provide for their care. Patients come from Pennsylvania, Florida, Delaware, and other areas in addition to the state of Maryland.
For infections on the bone, is there something called residual infection after a root canal?
What I mean is, well this may sound like an odd theory, but are there infections on the bone that while it is trying to heal, it ends up hurting more later on? In other words, the infection after the root canal does not hurt, and then it starts hurting later on. If you know something similar, please do tell. I may be completely wrong. If i don't make sense (sorry too much 4th of July cookies), then I will surely clarify.
Also I want to make sure I get this clear. An infection on the bone can cause the tooth to ache right? meaning if tapping on the tooth, the infection can still cause pain for the tooth even after a root canal, right?
I also want to get this other thing cleared up. Are root canals really responsible for bone infections? I have been told they are responsible for infection inside, but what about the bone? Are the root canals responsible for those? So if the infection is still on the bone even like months or years after the RC, would the root canal be at fault?
Ok thanks, I hope you are having a fabulous 4th of July!!!
Karrie
Answer High Karrie,
Thanks for the question. A chronic infection at the base of the root of a tooth will eventually cause destruction around the bone making it seem as if the infection is on or in the bone. What is important to understand is that this type of infection is due to a failing root canal due to any number of reasons. The pain would be coming from the pressure that is being built up from the infection and not the nerve in the tooth as it had been removed previously. Regarding the bone there are no nerves in bone and thus no pain would come from the bone. If there is pain upon tapping the tooth it is because of pressure that is transfered along the tooth to the nerve fibers in what is called the periodontal ligament (a sling that each tooth sits in within the bony socket). If after having a root canal treament there is no discomfort and then pain appears later then it may or may not be due to a recurrent infection. IF the bite is off and you are hitting the tooth prematurely or the tooth is fracture then these can cause the discomfort as well. Hope this gives you some information and wish you the best.
