Does The Tooth Pain Increase Days After Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure to repair and save a damaged or infected tooth. While the procedure is generally successful, patients sometimes experience pain that may persist for days after the initial treatment. Many patients may experience some discomfort following their root canal procedure. Generally, this is caused by inflammation resulting from the work done during the treatment. While this pain should eventually subside, other factors can cause or worsen toothache after a root canal. In this blog, we’ll explore whether tooth pain increases days following root canal therapy, what may be causing it, and some tips to alleviate it.

What Causes Post-Root Canal Pain?

Poor Preparation

If a tooth isn’t properly prepared for a root canal, it could lead to further damage and more pain afterward. For example, inadequate filing of the canals could lead to an infection or pulp exposure. This will cause pain and increase the risk of tooth loss.

Instrument Damage

It is possible that a dental instrument used to clean out the root canal inadvertently damaged the sensitive surrounding tissue. This can cause pain and discomfort that may persist for several days.

Tissue Inflammation

In most cases, tooth pain after a root canal is due to tissue inflammation but is not indicative of an active infection. The consequent aggravation to the tissue can cause even more tenderness.

Gum Tissue Trauma

Some patients suffer gum tissue trauma from the rubber dam ring used in the procedure. This may be the source of your pain, which some people incorrectly attribute to the tooth.

How to Relieve Post-Root Canal Pain?

Over-the-counter Pain Medications

Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help to alleviate pain and discomfort. Most dentists and endodontists recommend taking a double dose of ibuprofen to ease post-root canal pain and inflammation.

Consulting a Specialist

If the pain persists and does not improve after a few days, you should contact your dentist or endodontist for a prescription-strength painkiller. If you are not getting any relief from home remedies even after a week of root canal surgery, then you must consult a specialist providing the best root canal therapy in Plano, TX. 

Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and numb the pain. A cold compress is an old but effective remedy for root canal pain and swelling. When you return home, place a cold compress, a cold washcloth, or a bag of ice or veggies on your cheek (on the treatment area side). The coolness will reduce the swelling and ease your pain. Leave the compress or ice on the treated area for at least 5 minutes. If the pain and swelling remain or return, repeat this process every 15 minutes until your discomfort subsides. 

Soft, Bland Foods

Staying with softer foods and chewing on the opposite side are helpful suggestions to reduce pain after root canal therapy. If the tooth does not become less sensitive after a few days, additional adjustment of the traumatic biting pressure may be needed by your dentist. 

Good Oral Hygiene

Maintaining good oral hygiene can help to prevent further infection and reduce pain. Gentle but thorough cleaning of the tooth and gums around a recent root canal treated area will create an environment for the quickest healing and relief of discomfort and pain after root canal therapy from irritated gums. 

Avoid Chewing

Avoid chewing on the affected tooth until the pain subsides. It’s common for a dentist to place a crown or restoration over the affected tooth after a root canal. You might not receive the restoration the same day, so be careful about chewing on the treated tooth until the crown is placed. When brushing your teeth again is fine, consider brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Saltwater

Saltwater is a great remedy for tooth pain because it is highly antibacterial and quickly removes all the bacteria from the mouth. You can also warm the water for a few seconds to make it more effective so that it may remain effective even after a root canal with a crown.

Root canals are an essential part of maintaining good oral health. They can help to eliminate infection, restore teeth, and protect against further damage. However, discomfort is a possibility following any dental procedure. While most patients experience some discomfort in the days following their root canal procedure, excessive pain is not typical. If you experience severe or persistent pain after a root canal, it is important to contact your dentist in Plano, TX, or an endodontist for an evaluation.