Root canal therapy is often misrepresented in the media as being an extremely painful, unpleasant experience. The truth is, though, that the treatment itself is pretty easy. Thanks to anesthesia and modern dental techniques, your appointment should be a breeze! But what about afterward? How much pain can you expect during your recovery? This blog post explains some important information.
What Causes Pain After a Root Canal?
During a successful root canal, a dentist removes the nerve from within a tooth. Therefore, the tooth itself can no longer send pain signals to your brain. However, that does not mean you will not experience some discomfort after your appointment. It is normal to be sore for a few days due to irritation and inflammation caused during the treatment. In some cases, a high temporary filling can also cause irritation.
How Long Does the Pain Last?
Most people are back to feeling normal in less than one week. Of course, recovery times can vary from person to person. Be patient with yourself, and take appropriate measures to reduce your pain. For example, you may choose to take pain medication. You should also eat soft foods, avoid chewing with your treated tooth, and keep your head elevated when you lie down. Sipping on cold water and applying a cold compress may help as well.
Dealing with Severe or Abnormal Pain
In rare cases, root canal treatment can fail. Some infected tissue may still be inside your tooth, which can cause significant pain. Or, a new infection may occur if the crown on your treated tooth gets damaged. A root canal can fail soon after treatment or years later.
If you ever notice any severe pain in your treated tooth, or there are other concerning symptoms, call your dentist. They can examine the tooth, take some X-rays, and recommend your next steps. You might need endodontic retreatment. It is also possible that the tooth will need to be extracted.
Pain after root canal therapy is usually easy to manage! Talk to your dentist if you have concerns about what to expect during your recovery period.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Keyvan Kar is a highly experienced dentist in Allen. He combines advanced technology with his extensive education to perform root canal therapy. His goal is to help every patient enjoy treatment that is both successful and as comfortable as possible. If you have questions about root canal treatment or what to expect from it, he and our team would be happy to speak with you. Contact our practice at 214-260-9911.