What are the Causes of Tooth Pain after Root Canal?

Root canal treatments are common procedures designed to save and repair badly decayed or infected teeth. While they are generally successful in alleviating pain and restoring dental health, some patients may experience tooth pain after a root canal. Here, we will learn why this happens and how to manage it effectively.

Reasons for Tooth Pain After Root Canal

Experiencing tooth pain after a root canal can be concerning, but it is not uncommon. There are several reasons why pain might occur following the procedure and how to reduce tooth pain after a root canal. Here are some of the possible causes:

Inflammation and Healing

The body’s natural response to the procedure causes inflammation in the surrounding tissues results in pain and discomfort as the area begins to heal. The process of cleaning out the root canals in Arizona and removing infected tissue can irritate the surrounding periodontal tissues, leading to temporary pain.

Infection

In some cases, bacteria may remain in the root canal even after retreatment, causing continued infection and inflammation, resulting in pain. Sometimes, additional or curved root canals may be missed during the initial treatment. These missed canals can harbor bacteria, leading to persistent pain.

Tooth Fracture

The treated tooth may have small cracks or fractures that were not addressed during the initial treatment. These structural issues can cause tooth pain after a root canal when biting at pressure or when chewing.

High Bite

If the filling or crown placed after the treatment is too high, it can cause an uneven bite. This can lead to pain and discomfort because the treated tooth experiences more pressure than the surrounding teeth.

Involvement of Gum and Bone

The surrounding gum tissue or bone may become infected or inflamed due to the initial infection spreading or due to the procedure itself. This can cause pain and swelling. The bone around the root tip may need time to heal, especially if an infection has extended into the bone. This healing process can cause temporary pain.

Filling or Crown Issues

After treatment, a temporary filling or crown is often placed until a permanent restoration can be done. These temporary solutions may not seal the tooth perfectly, leading to discomfort or sensitivity.

How to Stop Throbbing Pain after Root Canal?

Experiencing throbbing tooth pain after a root canal can be uncomfortable, but there are several effective methods to alleviate it. Here are some steps you can take to manage and reduce the pain:

• Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek near the treated area to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
• Keep your head elevated with pillows when lying down to prevent blood from pooling in the area.
• Rinse your mouth gently with salt water to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Avoid chewing on the side of the mouth and stick to soft foods and.
• Brush and floss your teeth gently and make sure not to disturb the treated area.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash to help keep the area clean and reduce the risk of infection.
• If your dentist has prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take them exactly as directed.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking as they both delay healing and increase the risk of infection.
• If the pain persists, becomes severe, or is accompanied by swelling or fever, contact your dentist immediately. These could be signs of complications.

How Long Should a Tooth Hurt after a Root Canal?

Understanding the discomfort after a root canal is typical, and when to seek further help is important. Here is the timeline of tooth pain after a root canal:

• Pain typically begins to subside within the first week. Minor sensitivity, when biting down, may persist but lessens over time.
• By the end of the second week, most of the pain and discomfort should be significantly reduced.
• If you experience pain that persists beyond two weeks, it’s important to consult your dentist as it could indicate a complication such as an unresolved infection.
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain medication or that worsens over time should be evaluated by your dentist immediately.
• Swelling, fever, or a feeling of general sickness could indicate an infection.
• Throbbing pain radiating to the jaw, ear, or other teeth may suggest complications like a cracked tooth or a problem with the surrounding bone.

What Pain is Not Normal after Root Canal?

While tooth pain after a root canal is expected, certain types of pain are not normal and may indicate complications:

• Intense pain that doesn’t respond to painkillers or worsens over time.
• Your dentist should assess pain lasting more than a week.
• Swelling and fever can indicate an infection that needs immediate attention.
• Persistent throbbing pain may suggest issues with the surrounding tissues or a reinfection.

Root Canal Post Care Near Me in Arizona

From routine cleanings to advanced treatments like root canals and cosmetic dentistry, we are committed to providing you with the best possible dental services at Desert Dentistry. Book your appointment and let us help you with your tooth pain after a root canal achieves a healthy, beautiful smile.

Conclusion

Experiencing tooth pain after a root canal can be concerning, but it is often a normal part of the healing process. Understanding the causes of this pain and knowing when to seek help can ensure a smoother recovery. If you have any concerns or persistent pain, consult with your dentist immediately to ensure proper care and treatment.

FAQs

Why do I still have nerve pain after the root canal?

Nerve pain after a root canal can occur if some nerve tissue remains or if there’s inflammation in the surrounding area.

What not to do after a root canal?

Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods, and refrain from chewing on the treated side until fully healed.

Why is my root canal tooth hurting after years?

A tooth with a root canal can hurt years later if it becomes reinfected or if there are issues with the restoration.