Pain That Can Be Expected After Root Canal And When to Seek Help?

Pain after a root canal is common as this is a major procedure. The inner chamber of the root of the tooth in your mouth requires deep cleaning inside the canals which is capable of irritating the nerves and gums surrounding it. The pain will not last forever because the treatment is suggested to relieve you from the pain from a decaying or fractured tooth. Experiencing mild to moderate pain for some days after the root canal treatment can be expected. Any discomfort beyond this point may require additional cleaning of the canals or other procedures from the dentist.

The Recovery Period After The Initial Treatment

Earlier root canals were considered as extremely painful. It was the reason why many people avoided these procedures entirely. Currently, dentists have measures to relieve pain that will be used to reduce the pain you may experience during root canal therapy.

Before beginning the procedure a local anesthetic will be administered by your dentist to minimize the pain. You will still feel some pressure during the cleaning but during the actual procedure, the pain would have disappeared. Mild pain and sensitivity will return after the local anesthetic wears off after the root canal. The dentist will be making a tiny opening in the crown of the tooth during the cleaning for dealing with the diseased pulp inside the tooth where the pulp chamber is located. As the pain experienced after a root canal is generally mild you can find relief from over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. You are however suggested to confirm with your doctor that the medications will not interact with any prescriptions or supplements you may be ingesting. Avoiding chewing hard foods soon after the root canal is also recommended as it can cause additional pain.

When to seek help?

The pain from the root canal should decrease in some time but if you still experience pain and swelling you should be contacting your dentist. It is common for many people to need a couple of sessions for a successful root canal. If your case is severe you may require additional cleanings and any recurring pain would be an indication of a problem that is larger in magnitude.

If you are ingesting over-the-counter medications your symptoms should ease up. You may, however, be recommended prescription-grade medications or pain relievers of the narcotic variety by your dentist if the pain continues. These are just meant to be used temporarily. Your dentist may put a crown on your tooth after it has healed completely. The crown could be made from metal, porcelain, or gold. The idea would be to prevent any further damages to a tooth that is already delicate. The pain can at times be considered as a side effect that you will experience while getting accustomed to the freshly placed crown.

Managing The Pain

Your dentist will address any pain beyond a root canal. It may be necessary for you to undergo root canal surgery if your condition is not appropriate. However, there are certain steps you can take to manage the pain from a root canal. Cleaning your teeth properly and avoiding crunchy and hard foods until the pain improves is one step that you can consider. Quitting smoking is another which requires action and not a consideration. Stress-relieving activities such as methods of pain management, meditation, yoga, and tai chi are practices that can help you to manage your pain effectively.

The Outlook For Root Canal

Mild pain can be expected from a root canal for a few days. The pain is temporary and will subside by itself as long as you practice proper oral hygiene. A visit to the dentist is recommended for a follow-up if the pain continues to last longer than three days.

Tooth extraction is the only alternative to a root canal and in such cases, your dentist can replace the damaged tooth with an implant, partial denture, or a bridge. These treatments are expensive and will require several visits to the dentist’s office. If you are a candidate for a root canal the pain you experience over time will lessen. The American Association Of Endodontists states that you are six times likelier of being pain-free with a root canal then the people who choose not to undergo root canal therapy of any type.

Now that you have information about the pain that can be expected and the time when you should be seeking help having a root canal should be easier for you than before.