Severe Pain After a Root Canal ? Here's What You Can Do

There is a misbelief about the root canal that it is a painful dental treatment, but thanks to modern dentistry, it is no more uncomfortable than a dental filling. 

It is true that after the procedure, you might feel some discomfort; however, we will give you all the recommendations for your recovery period to be as comfortable as possible.

First, let’s talk about the procedure itself.f

Root Canal Treatment

A root canal in Oshawa is a dental procedure that an endodontist performs to save the tooth. When you have a dental infection that has spread to the pulp, the only way to keep the tooth is undergoing root canal therapy. The alternative is to extract it, hence the importance of looking for a root canal near you.

We will explain the procedure in five steps:

• Step one – You visit a dentist near you, and they take a set of x-rays of your tooth to evaluate the spreading of the infection and if a root canal will be able to save the dental piece.
• Step two – Your endodontist isolates the tooth with a rubber dam. The dam will help to avoid further contamination during the process and will help your dentist to have a better vision of the dental piece.
• Step three – To avoid pain, your dental professional will use a local anesthetic to numb the area. 
• Step four – Now, it’s time for your dentist to remove all the infected tissue and disinfect the canals with sodium hypochlorite. 
• Step five – Your endodontist will seal the canals and place temporary cement on top. You will need another appointment to get the permanent dental crown. 

Usually, after the treatment, you will feel mild to moderate discomfort. Keep in mind that you had a severe infection, and your tooth was already sensitive, and the treatment can increase the inflammation (temporarily). 

What to Do?

The recovery of a root canal is more comfortable than the aftercare of a dental extraction; however, as we mentioned above, you may feel discomfort. 

Here’s what you can do to alleviate post-treatment symptoms: 

• Take pain medication – Any over-the-counter painkillers will help you reduce the pain, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen.
• Use ice packs – Cold reduces the discomfort. Apply ice packs on the side of the face for ten minutes, on and off. Do not apply them directly on the skin; always put a towel in between. You may also use a bag of frozen veggies.
• Avoid chewing on the treated side – Chew with the opposite side for the first few days or until you get your permanent dental crown, if possible.
• Soft diet – Stick to soft foods during the first few days, such as yogurt, oatmeal, applesauce, soups, and others.
• Take your antibiotics – Keep your antibiotics regime, if your endodontist prescribed any. 
• Rinse with lukewarm water and salt – Dissolve ½ teaspoon salt in a cup of lukewarm water, and rinse about five times a day (in the morning, before bedtime, and after meals). 
• Elevate your pillows – Resting with your head elevated can help to reduce the irritation.

Following the recommendations above will ease the pain after treatment. Remember that the discomfort can last from two days up to two weeks; be patient, and stick to your doctor’s instructions. 

If you are in pain after two weeks, notify it to your dental professional right away.

Schedule Your Appointment

If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our dental office in Oshawa. We have a team of excellent and caring professionals that look forward to helping you reduce your pain and offer the best treatments according to your case.

The smile you deserve is only one call away!