When and how must be treated? | Lymph node swelling after root canal treatment

When and how must be treated?

Root canal treatments in dentistry are associated with a comparatively high risk of infections affecting the bloodstream and involving various organs. For this reason, antibiotic prophylaxis can be administered in advance of treatment to nip any infections in the bud. If lymph node swelling occurs after root canal treatment, it is best to wait, as these are often only temporary, harmless infections.

However, if other symptoms such as fever and weakness occur, therapy should be initiated. Blood samples can be taken to diagnose the exact pathogen. Subsequently, antibiotic therapy is started. Even if various organs, such as the heart, are involved, urgent intravenous antibiotic therapy must be given. Only in rare cases does surgical therapy become necessary, for example to remove inflammation foci on the heart.

Duration/Prediction

The duration of the disease is difficult to estimate and depends on the individual case. The quantity and type of the pathogen in particular, but also the immunocompetence of the person affected play a role. In many cases, the lymph node swellings are harmless and subside within a few days without symptoms. On the other hand, severe infections can result, which can only be treated with antibiotic therapy lasting several days.In very rare cases, for example in the case of cardiac involvement, permanent damage to the heart valves can occur even after the infection has healed.