Mar
How to Relieve Tooth Pain After a Root Canal Treatment?
Recently undergone root canal treatment? Might be dealing with the pain right now. It’s very common to experience mild to moderate pain or discomfort post-treatment, especially for a few days as the anesthetic starts to wear off. Thankfully there are ways to relieve tooth pain after a root canal treatment that we are going to discuss in this blogpost. Read on!
Is It Normal to Experience After Root Canal Treatment?
Patients typically experience numbness at the treatment site following a root canal treatment. This is because of the anesthesia, but its effect starts to go away within a few hours. So, during the first 24 hours, you might experience mild to moderate pain along with pressure and numbness. These symptoms vary in severity depending on the tooth’s condition and the complexity of the treatment.
In the following days, you can expect the pain to decrease. One week post-procedure, the pain must go away or decrease significantly. It’s rare to experience severe pain post one month. In case that happens, you must see your dentist, as this may be happening due to an underlying issue.
To learn more about root canal procedures, read our blog on “What is a root canal?”
Duration
How long it takes to recover depends on how difficult the procedure was, how your body reacts to the treatment, and how healthy you are overall. Keeping your mouth clean also helps. But, usually, the pain will begin to settle down within a few days after treatment or within the end of two weeks.
| Red Flags to watch out Your tooth is really hurting, and the pain pills aren’t helping. You have a bad reaction (like a rash or swelling) to something used during the root canal. Problems you had before the root canal are coming back. If any of these things happen and last for more than a couple of days, you need to see your dentist right away. |
How Can I Get Instant Relief from Root Canal Pain?
Experiencing the pain can be quite uncomfortable. While it’s important to follow your dentist’s advice and treatment plan, here are some tips that can help you alleviate the root canal pain:
1. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to reduce inflammation and pain.
2. If you can’t take NSAIDs, try acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief, but remember it won’t help with inflammation. Here are a couple more things you can do:
3. Apply a cold compress to the affected area for 15-20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
4. Gently rinse your mouth with a mixture of half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. This will help clean the area and reduce inflammation.
5. Clove oil has some natural antibacterial and analgesic properties. Applying it with a cotton ball and dabbing it can provide some relief.
6. While lying down, keep your head elevated to reduce pressure.
7. Avoid chewing from the side where treatment was performed.
8. Stick to soft foods to avoid putting pressure.
9. Mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide and water, then use the solution as a mouth rinse. This can help reduce the bacteria and soothe the area. But sure not to swallow it.
10. Avoid very hot and cold foods and beverages as they can worsen the sensitivity and pain.
11. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water to keep your mouth moist and help you heal.
12. If your pain is severe, get pain relievers and antibiotics recommended by your dentist.
Important Note: Do not place aspirin directly on gums or teeth, as it can cause burns.
Will Root Canal Pain Eventually Go Away?
Root canal pain goes away eventually as the tooth and surrounding tissues heal. However, the duration and pain intensity can vary depending on several factors. Most people feel a reduction in pain within 2-3 days and heal fully after a few weeks. This may not be the case if the case is complicated. By complicated, we mean when there is a pre-existing infection, abscesses or when there are teeth with multiple roots or curved canals. Patients with these conditions may experience more pain, and it may extend for a long time.
Cases where pain may persist or return after the root canal:
1. If some infected tissue or nerves were not fully removed.
2. There was an undetected crack in the tooth.
3. If bacteria re-enter the tooth due to loose or damaged filling/crown.
Sometimes, you might be experiencing pain from neighbouring teeth, gum tissue or sinuses.
How to Sleep With Root Canal Pain?
Elevating your head will prevent the blood from pooling and allow the fluids to drain. This way, you can reduce the swelling, which might not trigger the throbbing pain. Additionally, take the recommended pain relievers and antibiotics and follow the aftercare tips suggested by your dentist.
What is the Pain Level of a Root Canal?
The modern root canals are painless. The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with most people reporting little to no pain. After the effect of anesthesia starts to fade, it’s normal to experience moderate pain, tenderness or sensitivity. If you are concerned about the pain, talk to Emergency Dental 365 specialists, and we can resolve all your queries related to the procedure.
Can You Heal a Root Canal Naturally?
No, a root canal cannot heal naturally. The pulp inside the tooth does not have the ability to regenerate or heal once it’s infected or dead. The infection can even spread to the surrounding bone and tissues if you don’t get the root canal treatment.
The effective ways to treat infected teeth are root canal treatment or tooth extraction.
Bottomline: Tips for a Smooth Recovery
- Do exactly what your dentist tells you to do to take care of your mouth after the procedure.
- Don’t chew on the tooth that got the root canal until it’s fixed with a crown or filling.
- Keep your mouth really clean, so you don’t get any more problems.
- Adherence to all scheduled follow-up appointments is crucial for optimal healing.
FAQs
- What is the 3 3 3 rule for a toothache?
This is a general guideline but not medically recognized. So, we recommend following your dentist’s advice.
- Is it common to experience after a root canal?
Yes, it’s common to experience pain after the anesthesia starts to wear off. The normal pain ranges from mild to moderate.
- Is it cheaper to pull a tooth or root canal?
The upfront cost of tooth extraction is usually lower than the cost of a root canal, but the long-term costs associated can go higher. For a detailed price estimate and to know about the suitable treatment, book your free consultation with us, now.
- What are signs you need a root canal?
The common signs include:
1. Persistent toothache.
2. Swelling and tenderness around affected teeth.
3. Pain while chewing.
4. Darkening of tooth
5. Temperature sensitivity
- How to avoid a root canal?
To avoid getting your tooth infected, follow these tips:
1. Brush twice a day.
2. Floss once a day.
3. Take proper dental checkups.
4. Avoid hard foods
5. Limit sugary foods and drinks
