A common misconception about root canals is that they are painful. It's one of the main reasons so many people postpone getting the treatment they need. But, root canal treatment in itself isn't painful. The dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the area, so you won't feel anything except some pressure.
That said, once the anesthetic wears off, you can expect some level of pain and discomfort. But, what's normal and when should you get worried?
Let's find out!
A root canal is a dental procedure meant to clean and remove the infection caused by decay. Depending on the severity of the infection, the dentist may be able to treat it in one or two sessions. If the infection is too severe and the dentist can't reach the pulp because of it, then you will be given antibiotics.
After the infection is managed with the help of antibiotics, you will see your dentist for a second appointment. During this appointment, they will drill a hole through your tooth to reach and remove the infected pulp. After the pulp is removed, the dentist will clean and disinfect the pulp chambers and root canals. Then, they will fill the canals with gutta-percha, seal the tooth with a filling and place a crown to restore your tooth.
As we said, you won't feel much during root canal treatment. But, as the anesthetic wears off, you will start experiencing some pain and sensitivity. These symptoms are completely normal and should only last for a few days.
The reason you feel pain even after the infection has been removed is because the nearby nerves and tissues are inflamed. Moreover, the dentist had to use some really sharp instruments to drill the hole and that might have caused some trauma to nearby tissues. They will need a bit of time to heal.
If the pain is too uncomfortable, you can take some over-the-counter medication to alleviate some of your discomfort.
You should also try eating on the other side of the mouth so that you don't irritate the root canal even further. Stick to a soft foods diet for a few days to give the root canal site enough time to heal properly.
As we said, pain after a root canal is normal and to be expected. However, if the pain doesn't go away in a few days or if it grows in intensity, then those are signs that something may be wrong.
Are you worried about the level of pain you are experiencing after your root canal? Get in touch with the dentists at Prime Dental and tell us about your problem.
You can send us a message online or call us directly at (903) 710-1779.
