If you had a severely damaged or decayed tooth, then there’s a good chance your dentist performed a root canal to preserve and protect it. Many patients worry that this procedure will be long and painful, but typically that’s not the case. You’ll be numbed and/or sedated so you don’t feel discomfort, and it’s more likely to alleviate any throbbing than cause it.
While it’s normal to experience some mild aches and inflammation after your appointment, it should gradually dissipate. After a week or two, you should feel completely normal. If you’ve recently had a root canal and have worsening discomfort that won’t abate, keep reading to learn more about the potential causes and why you should call your dentist!
How Do I Know If I Have a Problem?
Most people have some sensitivity or tenderness in their jaw and gums surrounding their treated tooth immediately following their procedure. This is because there are small nerves and ligaments in the tissues surrounding the tooth that become inflamed while your dentist works.
Typically, these symptoms can be effectively managed with over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and ibuprofen. Then, you can usually expect them to decrease with each passing day until they’re completely gone.
Sometimes, there’s an issue with your root canal that causes ongoing or increasing aches. If you’re experiencing throbbing that doesn’t fade or is getting worse, it might be due to:
- Poor dental hygiene habits. Rinse gently with warm salt water to clear away unwanted food particles and bacteria following your procedure. Then, you should resume your normal oral care routine after 24 hours. Otherwise, germs can penetrate the area and cause infection and inflammation.
- A faulty restoration. Your dentist probably capped your repaired tooth with a dental crown. If it doesn’t fit correctly or is damaged, it allows particles into the vulnerable roots.
- Additional canals. It’s possible there was a root that was hard to see or difficult to access during your procedure, so your dentist was unable to clear away all the bacteria inside.
- An obstruction in the canal. Some passageways in the base of your teeth can be too bent or curved for your dentist to effectively clean them all the way.
When Should I Call My Dentist?
Whatever the reason for it, if you’re still in moderate to severe discomfort a week after your procedure, you should call your provider. They can walk you through any necessary care instructions over the phone and schedule an appropriate time for you to return based on your current condition. Depending on the problem, they may recommend a second root canal although in some cases, extraction and replacement may be required.
After you agree on a treatment, they’ll get to work mending your smile so you can get back to life as usual!
About the Author
Dr. Praveena Muddana believes that people of all ages deserve top-quality dental care delivered with compassion. She first graduated from Narayana Dental College in India and then earned a second dental degree from the NYU College of Dentistry. Today, she hones her skills with ongoing participation in professional organizations like the American Dental Association, Wisconsin Dental Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. That makes her an expert who can handle everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures, like root canals. If you’ve had a procedure and are still suffering from aches and inflammation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (414) 808-2003.