Dentistry

Are there any dangers in getting a root canal with an active absess (abscess)/infection

[Jerome Tsang, DDS]

Generally a root canal will remove the bacteria and will help the abscess resolve.  

The only thing that may occur is a Phoenix abscess in which there is an abscess that is symptom free and when a root canal is done, it can irritate and cause it to become problematic.  Now, the treatment needs to be done of course because if left alone, it can continue to spread.  But if the root canal is done in one day, it can aggravate it and then by finishing it and pluggin up the root canal of the tooth, it can cause it to swell.  These abscesses require the root canal to be done in two visits.