It’s a common misconception that root canal therapy causes pain, but the reality is the opposite is true. Root canal treatments are meant to remove diseased pulp that’s causing the pain in the first place. Additionally, anesthetic is provided before the surgery begins, meaning it’s no more uncomfortable than a routine dental filling.
But what should the aftercare for a root canal in Carrollton look like? When is pain more than a side effect and actually a symptom of something worse?
Normal Side Effects After a Root Canal
After completing your root canal, your mouth, tooth and gums will feel a bit tender and sensitive. This in large part due to the surrounding tissue still being swollen and inflamed. While the nerve is removed from your tooth, small nerves still exist in the ligaments and tissue surrounding the tooth.
Any discomfort felt during this time is relatively normal and should go away on its own after a few days. The success rate for root canal treatments is incredibly high and millions of them are carried out every year, so the chances of a failure occurring are extremely low.
When It’s Time to Head to the Dentist
If the pain does not get better or becomes so severe that at-home measures to reduce it do not work, you’ll want to head to a dentist as soon as possible. Those signs include:
- Severe pain after 72 hours
- Pain that lingers for a few days, starts to feel better, and then begins to hurt again
- Facial swelling or swelling inside the mouth (possible reinfection of the canal)
- Discharge inside or around the affected tooth (a sign that an abscess has formed)
In this case, a retreatment may be needed.
How to Manage Discomfort at Home
During the first few days of aftercare, it’s important that you brush and floss as usual while the area heals. You’ll also be directed to take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which both work to reduce sensitivity, discomfort and inflammation. You’ll also want to minimize chewing on the healing tooth to avoid loosening of the temporary filling and re-contamination of the inner area where the pulp lies. It can also prevent the tooth from fracturing before it’s finished healing.
If you have any issues related to your affected tooth, the dentist will more than likely notice them during your follow-up appointment to have a permanent crown placed. If you believe you’re having a dental emergency due to a failing root canal, don’t hesitate to contact a dentist in Carrollton today!
About the Author
Dr. Moji Chandy earned her DDS degree from the NYU College of Dentistry. She’s fully qualified to perform root canal therapy in-office and works hard to make her patients as comfortable as possible before, during and after treatment. To learn more about her practice, you can contact her through her website.