Pain After Root Canal: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

A root canal treatment involves treating an infected pulp of a tooth and the protection of the contaminated tooth from future microbial invasion. In simple terms, a root canal is used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or infected.

To most people, visiting a dentist can be quite a frightening ordeal, and the thought of having a root canal done can be quite discomforting. When you think of a root canal, people automatically associate it with pain, but that’s not necessarily the case. While most people getting a root canal may feel slight pain, for others the procedure is almost pain-free with just a little bit of discomfort after.
A root canal is a great way to save the natural tooth and with modern technology and the use of anesthetics, this treatment is now quick, safe, and usually pain-free.

What to expect after a root canal?

A root canal takes a few visits to the dentist for the entire procedure to be completed, which is the permanent filling and crown placement. You may feel a little sensitivity on the tooth that is under repair due to tissue inflammation for the first few days, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This sensitivity or discomfort can be controlled with over-the-counter pain medications, and most patients can return to their normal activities in a day or two. It’s always advisable to minimize chewing on the tooth under repair, to avoid recontamination of the interior of the tooth and also to prevent the tooth from breaking before the tooth can be fully restored.

How much pain too much pain?

Now, if you continue to feel severe discomfort or pain after your root canal procedure, something could be wrong and it’s best to contact your dentist. For a few patients, complications after a root canal could cause a lot of pain as sometimes the treatment may not completely eliminate bacteria or infection. The pain could also be arising from a problem with the filling or a small crack in the tooth. If you still continue to feel severe pain several days after the procedure, you would need to contact your dentist or endodontist immediately.

In some instances, you may need to redo the treatment to relieve pain and discomfort. However, depending on the severity of the complication, extracting the tooth may be a better option. Your dentist will be able to fully explain the pros and cons of each option and suggest the best choice for you.

Even if you do not feel pain or discomfort, after a root canal treatment, it would be best to check back with your dentist the following week to ensure your tooth has healed correctly.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of a Root Canal Failure?

A successful root canal treatment can cause mild pain or discomfort for a few days, it’s temporary and should go away, provided you practice good oral hygiene. Severe sensitivity to cold or heat food and drinks, swelling, or pain while chewing 3 days after your treatment could be signs of a failed root canal and you need to check with your dentist or endodontist immediately.

If you are experience pain or severe sensitivity to hot and cold foods? You may have an infection and need a root canal treatment. Before your pain gets worst, call us at 888-885-1434 to book appointment with the best dentist around your area.