Why Do Teeth Sometimes Hurt Following Root Canals?
Posted on 7/26/2021 by Shiv Sharma, DDS
While a root canal, in the past, could really hurt, that is no longer the case. We can alleviate some of the discomfort with a local anesthetic during the procedure. As the anesthetic wears off, you may experience mild or moderate pain that can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Some Pain After a Root Canal Is Normal
A root canal represents a major dental procedure, so if you experience some pain afterwards, it is normal. The surgery involves deep cleaning the tooth's canals, which are the inner chambers of a tooth's root. Therefore, this type of process can irritate the adjacent gums and nerves. Any dental pain after the procedure should not last forever. The whole idea behind the procedure is to avoid future dental pain. If the pain lasts for more than a few days, you need to contact us for an appointment.
What If the Pain Will Not Subside?
If you still feel pain after several days, it may mean that the canals require additional cleaning. Therefore, you will need to schedule another appointment. While you usually will not have to worry about this type of occurrence, it can still be the reason why you may be still experiencing some discomfort.
What You Can Do to Minimize Any After-Surgery Pain
If you experience mild to moderate pain after a root canal, we will recommend a pain reliever that will not interfere with any supplements or prescriptions you may be taking. If you are extra sensitive, we may give you a prescription for a pain medicines. We also will stress that you do not eat anything hard or crunchy for several days after the procedure, as doing so will only worsen the pain.
A little pain is normal following root canal surgery. Make sure you know what to expect during the treatment process and afterwards. Give us a call today to arrange an appointment for a consultation.
Thank you for trusting us with your oral health. Give us a call at (650) 321-9693.
2875 Middlefield Rd, Suite #1 Palo Alto, CA 94306-2548