How Much Pain Can I Expect After a Root Canal?

In movies and cartoons, root canals are often portrayed as dreadful and agonizing. While these portrayals can certainly be quite funny, they are not representative of the truth. Root canal treatments are used to eliminate the source of severe toothaches so that people can comfortably get back to their everyday lives. While you may experience some soreness in the days following, it should fade with time and will be much more bearable than the pain of a toothache. Here’s how you can manage the gradually fading soreness you may experience after a root canal.

What Is a Root Canal?

Once your dentist determines that a root canal is the best course of treatment for your toothache, they will numb the tooth being treated with a local anesthetic and you may receive dental sedation if you need help sitting calmly through the procedure. They will then access the inner chamber of the tooth and remove the infected pulp inside. Once the pulp has been eliminated, they will sanitize, fill, and seal the chamber to prevent it from being infected again. You may then receive a crown to restore your tooth to its original size, appearance, and function.

How Much Discomfort Can a Root Canal Cause?

After a root canal, you can expect to experience some mild to moderate soreness in the tooth, and the soft tissues around it may be tender. In some cases, patients have sore jaws after the procedure due to their mouths being open for extended lengths of time. This discomfort should fade with time and can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, but the best way to make it go away quickly is to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions precisely.

How Can I Relieve This Discomfort?

After receiving a root canal, avoid chewing with the treated tooth until you can do so comfortably. It’s also best to refrain from eating until the anesthetics wear off as this can prevent soft-tissue injuries during chewing. When your dentist says it’s okay to brush your teeth, do so with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

While any discomfort resulting from a root canal should fade with time, there are some instances when you should seek the help of a qualified dentist. If you feel unwell or if you experience swelling, fever, or an uneven bite, your tooth may still be infected. In this case, or if you experience severe pain that is interfering with your day-to-day life or does not seem to be diminishing, contact your dentist immediately.

About the Practice

Anderson Dental Center provides the finest oral health care available in Hackensack, NJ. Led by a team of seven dentists, the staff is dedicated to keeping teeth healthy and ensuring that patients can smile beautifully. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry such as root canals. To learn more about caring for your tooth after receiving a root canal, contact the office online or dial (201) 546-7435.