Root canal treatment is a major procedure, so some discomfort after a root canal is normal. Root canal treatment involves deep cleaning inside the canals (the inner chamber of the root) of your tooth, which can in turn irritate surrounding nerves and gums.

However, the discomfort should not last long. In fact, root canal treatment is meant to help you avoid pain related to a decaying or fractured tooth. It is normal to experience mild discomfort for a few days after a root canal treatment. Any pain beyond this point may warrant additional cleaning of the canals or other procedures from your dentist.

Initial recovery period

In the past, root canal treatment was painful. This is one reason why people sometimes avoided such procedures. However, with advances in treatment processes, root canal treatment should be no more painful than a standard filling.

Before the process begins, your dentist will apply a local anaesthetic that minimizes pain. You might still feel pressure during the cleaning, but you should not be in pain.

As the local anaesthetic wears off after the root canal treatment, you might experience mild discomfort and sensitivity. While uncomfortable, any discomfort and sensitivity should only last a few days.

Since the pain experienced after root canal treatment is usually mild, you’ll likely only need over-the-counter pain medications for relief. Provided you feel okay and can manage the discomfort you should be able to return to work the day following treatment.

When to seek help

Any discomfort should decrease over time. If you still experience pain or swelling, you should see your dentist. Most people need one to two sessions for a root canal treatment to be successful. In severe cases, you may need more cleaning sessions. Recurring pain could be an indicator of this.

Once your tooth is completely treated, your dentist may put a crown on top of it. The idea here is to prevent future damage to an already delicate tooth.

Tips for oral health

Good oral health practices can help alleviate pain from root canal treatment. These can also help your new crown last for many years while protecting all your other teeth.

• Don’t eat overly hard foods, especially right after a root canal treatment.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss once a day to help prevent future infections.
• Reduce the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume.
• Schedule regular cleanings to help keep your teeth healthy and free of infection.

At KentEndo, you can be safe in the knowledge that you will always receive the highest possible level of care, in a relaxed and calm environment. If you have any concerns or queries do not hesitate to ask one of team on 01622 225555.