Pain After Root Canal Treatment: Causes, Treatment

Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure used to save a tooth that is infected or damaged. However, pain after a root canal treatment is not uncommon and can be a cause for concern. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the causes, treatment options, and prevention of pain after Root Canal Treatment.

Causes of Pain After Root Canal Treatment:

1. Inflammation: Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. After a root canal, the tissues around the tooth can become inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. This inflammation can be caused by the trauma of the root canal procedure, the buildup of fluids around the tooth, or the presence of residual bacteria or infected tissue.
2. Intraoperative Problems: Teeth, particularly those with multiple roots, can have more than one canal system. It is possible to miss canals that are difficult to locate or calcified, which can result in pulp tissue that is not completely removed. In addition, root canal therapy may overlook accessory canals, leading to post-treatment pain. Other intraoperative problems that can cause pain following a root canal include root and furcation perforations, irritation from irrigants, extrusion of filling materials, and broken instruments within the canal system. To diagnose these conditions, an evaluation by an endodontist may be necessary.
3. Infection: If you have an infection in your tooth, a root canal treatment can help get rid of it. However, sometimes bacteria can still stick around even after the treatment, causing ongoing pain and infection. This can happen if the tooth wasn’t cleaned well enough during the root canal or if the roots are tricky to get to.
4. Improper Bite Alignment: Sometimes, after a root canal, your tooth might feel a bit different when you bite down. This could be because the tissues around the tooth are inflamed, causing it to shift slightly. Or it could be that your dentist didn’t adjust your bite correctly after the treatment, which can lead to discomfort.
5. Fractured Tooth: If your tooth was already weakened before the root canal, it could be more likely to break afterwards. This can cause pain when you chew because the tooth can’t handle the pressure. In some cases, the fracture might be so bad that the tooth can’t be saved, and you might need to have it removed.
6. Allergic Reaction: In rare cases, some patients may develop an allergic reaction to the materials used during the root canal procedure. This can lead to pain and discomfort that may persist for several days after the procedure.

Treatment Options for Pain After Root Canal Treatment:

1. Pain Medication: Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can provide root canal pain relief.
2. Antibiotics: If there is an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to help clear it up.
3. Bite Adjustment: If the pain is due to an improper bite, your dentist can adjust your bite to alleviate the discomfort.
4. Root Canal Retreatment: If the pain is due to a failed root canal, your dentist may recommend a root canal retreatment.
5. Tooth Extraction: In severe cases where the tooth is extensively damaged, extraction may be necessary.

Preventing Pain After Root Canal:

1. Good Oral Hygiene: Practice good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
2. Avoid Hard or Sticky Foods: Avoid chewing on hard or sticky foods immediately after a root canal procedure.
3. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions: Follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare, including taking any prescribed medication and avoiding certain activities.

Endnote

Pain after a root canal can be uncomfortable and concerning, but there are many treatment options available to provide root canal pain relief. If you are experiencing persistent pain after a root canal, contact your dentist immediately for an evaluation. By taking steps to prevent pain after a root canal treatment, such as practising good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s instructions, you can minimize your risk of experiencing discomfort after this common dental procedure.

Also read:

Root Canal Treatment – Causes problems surgery and complication