Tooth pain is something that almost everyone tries to avoid at all costs. If you have recently had a Root Canal, you might expect relief from pain. However, there are many patients who report experiencing increased discomfort or new pain in their teeth after such a treatment. This raises the question on whether it is normal to experience pain after a root canal?
In this article, we will explore why this happens, what you can do about it and when you need to contact your dentist for help.
The Surprising Truth About Root Canal Pain
A Root Canal is considered to be a solution for extreme tooth pain that gets caused by infection or damage. It brings relief from discomfort. Even then, sometimes, patients do experience more pain after the procedure.
If you are experiencing such pain after your Root Canal treatment then you are not alone. It becomes very important to understand why that happens.
Understanding Root Canals and Why They Cause Pain
A Root Canal refers to a dental procedure during which a dentist removes infected and damaged tissue from inside of a tooth. This tissue is located in the Root Canal. It is the part of the tooth that holds the nerves and blood vessels. The goal of such a treatment is eliminating the infection and saving the tooth to prevent any further issues.
After the procedure the tooth gets sealed. In many instances a crown gets placed for restoring strength.
While Root Canals are generally effective in relieving pain that ges caused by infection or decay, the process by itself causes discomfort. The pain that you feel might not just be from the tooth getting treated but also from the sensitive surrounding area.
Common Reasons for Post-Root Canal Pain
It is not unusual for some extent of pain after getting a Root Canal. There are a lot of reasons why the pain must persist or worsen:
- Inflammation – During Root Canal, the dentist cleans the infected tissue. This causes swelling in the surrounding area. It leads to discomfort for a few days post-procedure.
- Infection – Although Root Canals are designed for treating infections, sometimes bacteria still remains and enters the treated area. This leads to new/worsening pain post-procedure.
- Nerve Irritation – Root Canal treatment involves working with the nerves inside the tooth. In some cases, irritation also occurs. This causes sensitivity and pain after infection has been removed.
- Tooth Damage – If the tooth was severely damaged or cracked before undergoing Root Canal, then the procedure might not resolve the pain. In the more rare cases, a Root Canal may not be successful in totally removing the problem.
- Crown Placement – After a Root Canal, the tooth gets fitted with a crown. If the crown does not fit properly then it causes pain and discomfort.
How Long Should Post-Root Canal Pain Last?
The duration for which the pain remains varies from patient to patient. Generally, a little discomfort is normal and improves by itself within a few days.
You might experience mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, especially when chewing. This is generally temporary in nature.
However, if the pain becomes worse after a few days or if it remains after a few weeks then that’s serious. Pain that is severe, sharp and accompanied by swelling and other symptoms signal complications and infection. Hence, you should contact a dentist if that happens as soon as possible.
When to Contact Dr. Tandon’s Dental Clinic?
If you are experiencing pain which doesn’t improve after a few days, then it would be time for you to contact a specialist. You can reach out to Dr. Tandon’s Dental Clinic. Here are a few signs which indicate that you should contact your dentist immediately:
- Swelling around treated area
- Severe pain and throbbing
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Fever
The team of Dr. Tandon will then be able to determine the situation and suggest further treatments. They may end up giving additional treatments like antibiotics for infection or a new crown if the current one causes pain.
How to Manage Pain After a Root Canal?
While waiting to see a dentist, there are a lot of different ways how you can manage post root canal pain at home:
Pain Medication
OTC pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage discomfort.
Cold Compress
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling and numbness.
Avoid Hard Foods
Stick to soft foods only and avoid chewing on the side of the mouth that was treated.
Good Oral Hygiene
Keep the treated area clean to avoid any infection. Make sure to flush and floss carefully around the treated tooth. But avoid disturbing the area too much.
Long-Term Care for a Healthy Smile
After your Root Canal has healed, it would become important to maintain good oral hygiene. This is because it is the key to preventing future issues. Always brush twice a day, floss daily and visit the dentist regularly to prevent any further complications.
FAQs About Post-Root Canal Pain
Here is a list of some of the frequently asked questions regarding Root Canal Pain:
Is it normal to feel pain when biting after a root canal?
Mild discomfort can happen when you chew food. This is especially so if the crown has not been placed yet.
Can I prevent pain after a root canal?
While you cannot always prevent pain. By following the dentist’s post-procedure care instructions, you can manage the area gently. This would reduce discomfort.
Can the pain return years after a root canal?
Yes, it is very much possible. If the tooth becomes reinfected or if the filling/crown becomes loose then one might experience pain again.
Conclusion,
If your tooth pain is worsening after a Root Canal treatment, then it becomes important to reach out to the dentist for guidance. Dr. Tandon’s Clinic is here to provide you expert care and help you navigate any complications that you may face after a Root Canal treatment.
Do not wait for your pain to become unbearable! Contact us at Dr. Tandon’s today to book a consultation promptly. We will help to ensure that your smile remains healthy and pain-free for the years to come.
Also Read :-
Is Root Canal Treatment Safe During Pregnancy? Find Out the Facts!
