Pain After Root Canal Therapy: What to Expect

The idea that root canal therapy is especially painful is a myth; your mouth will be numbed for the procedure to keep you comfortable, and any discomfort you experience afterward will be relatively mild. Nevertheless, it is important to know what kind of pain is normal to experience after the procedure and what kind requires a call to your dentist. Here is what you can expect after your root canal therapy.

How Much Pain Should You Expect After a Root Canal?

Generally speaking, you may feel some discomfort around the treatment area after a root canal. Your jaw might feel sore as well since the procedure involves holding your mouth open for a long period. Usually, the pain will only last a few days. As long as you take good care of your mouth during the recovery process, you should be able to keep the discomfort under control.

How Can You Treat Your Pain During Root Canal Recovery?

Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen can help you stay comfortable after root canal therapy. Make sure that you take the medicine according to the provided instructions. Applying an ice pack to the treatment area can also soothe your pain. Remember that you should only use the ice pack for about 15 minutes at a time.

Gargling with a salt water rinse two to three times a day can also ease your discomfort. Additionally, it can fight any bacteria in your mouth that might cause an infection while you’re still healing.

When Should You Call Your Dentist About Post Root Canal Pain?

Some types of discomfort are not a normal part of root canal recovery. You should take notice if:

• The pain is so severe it’s preventing you from performing your normal activities.
• The pain lasts longer than it should and doesn’t seem to be fading over time.
• The pain is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, swelling, an uneven bite, or a general feeling of unwellness.

If you notice any of the above warning signs, it means that you have a serious oral health problem that needs to be addressed immediately. In some cases, the tooth may have become reinfected, meaning you might need retreatment. You can count on your dentist to narrow down the source of the problem and figure out how to put a stop to your pain.

There’s no need to be afraid of having root canal therapy done, but you do need to be proactive about managing your discomfort and reaching out to your dentist as soon as you think there’s a problem. Be mindful of the state of your mouth and follow your aftercare instructions carefully so that you can keep your recovery on track.

About the Practice

At Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry, we have multiple experienced dentists and a friendly dental team that’s dedicated to giving patients in Lynchburg and nearby areas plenty of reasons to smile. As part of our emergency services, we offer root canal therapy to put a stop to the pain caused by dental infections. To schedule a consultation with us, visit our website or call (434) 847-5331.