Root canals are typically associated with a lot of pain and discomfort. While most people can expect discomfort during and after a root canal procedure, excessive pain should not be expected.
Modern technology and anaesthetics make this procedure quick, safe, typically pain-free, and an excellent way to help save the natural tooth.
Anyone experiencing tooth pain should see a dentist at Dental implants san Diego as soon as possible before any infection gets worse, forms an abscess, or spreads throughout the tooth root.
Here are some quick facts about the pain after a root canal:
- Treating the diseased tissue (pulp) can preserve the remaining tooth.
- A person will receive an anaesthetic before the procedure, which is usually no more painful than a typical dental filling.
- Root canals can be redone if they fail.
How much pain is considered normal?
Following a root canal, most people report feeling sensitive or tender for a few days. There are several reasons why this is the case:
- While the dentist has removed the tooth’s nerve root, there is still nerve tissue in the ligaments and surrounding tissue surrounding the tooth that remains swollen or inflamed. These nerve endings can also register discomfort when inflamed areas, such as after a dental procedure.
- Damage to the surrounding tissue due to a dental instrument: It is possible that a dental instrument used to clean out a root canal caused the surrounding tissue to become damaged.
- High-elevated temporary fillings occur when the dentist inserts a temporary filling without smoothing it down sufficiently.It is possible for the filling to be just a bit higher than the surrounding tooth, causing the mouth to bite harder on that spot, which would result in a sore tooth.
Most of the time, the sensitivity and discomfort associated with root canals will go away on their own within a few days. It is important to call an endodontist or dentist for an evaluation if the pain persists, is severe, or is not relieved with home measures.
Is it possible for a root canal to fail?
The majority of root canals are successful. Nevertheless, some root canal treatments are unsuccessful, and a person can experience more pain. There are many reasons for this:
- Leaks begin to appear in the restoration
- Oral or dental hygiene problems
- Deterioration of the tooth or sealing material with time
- The presence of an extra canal in the tooth that is not visible to the endodontist
- An obstruction such as a curved root canal that prevents the canal from being completely cleaned
- Cracks in the teeth that run vertically
- An endodontist or dentist made a mistake
Endodontists will need to remove the filling from the tooth, open the tooth, and try to find the canal if the pain is due to a missed canal. As soon as the dentist discovers a vertical fracture in the tooth, he will likely have to remove that tooth.
An individual who experiences persistent inflammation or infection after a root canal may need to undergo a surgical procedure called a root-end resection if the inflammation or infection persists.
Root canal pain at home: how to manage it
Pain relievers over-the-counter or available under prescription should be sufficient to provide relief following root canal treatment. Follow the instructions carefully when using medications, and call the endodontist if pain medication doesn’t work. It is important not to chew or bite down on the affected tooth until the final restoration has been completed. Because the temporary restoration is delicate, it may break.
Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth should also be part of your oral hygiene routine. You can purchase a variety of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss online.
What is the procedure for a root canal?
Root canals are usually performed by an endodontist (a dentist specialising in the interior of teeth). To perform a root canal, the following steps must be followed:
- The endodontist does X-rays and an examination of the tooth before the procedure. Next, the dentist gives the patient a local anaesthetic to numb the tooth, and then the dentist places a protective covering in the mouth of the patient to isolate the damaged tooth and protect the rest of the mouth.
- During the endodontic procedure, the endodontist opens the tooth’s top to access the delicate structures inside. A dentist will then be able to remove the pulp from the chamber and the root canals by using micro-instruments that are very small.
- In addition to cleaning and shaping the root canals, the dentist may also place a post to support the tooth and fill the space for the filling.
- To fill the root canals, the endodontist uses a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha and then places an adhesive on top of the gutta-percha to seal it within the tooth.
- To protect the inside of the tooth while it is healing, the endodontist will use a temporary filling to cover the tooth.
The person who has undergone root canal treatment will have to see the dentist again to remove the temporary filling. At this stage, the dentist will place a permanent crown or perform other permanent restorations on the tooth.
Afterwards, the tooth should function normally and should not cause any pain.
Takeaway
The procedure of root canal treatment is performed millions of times every year. It is almost always possible to save a tooth that has been infected or damaged with endodontic treatment.
We use new San Diego Smile Center technologies to ensure a comfortable root canal procedure. A dental implant in San Diego can provide further treatment to patients with severe or prolonged pain.