Root canal treatment isn’t as painful as many people believe, but you will likely experience a bit of discomfort once the procedure is complete. Just how much pain can you expect during your recovery? And at what point does it go beyond the ordinary and become something to be concerned about? To make sure you’re properly prepared for your root canal, your dentist is here with the answers to these questions.
Pain After a Root Canal: What to Expect
The discomfort you experience following a root canal usually manifests as soreness and tenderness. Patients tend to describe the pain as mild or moderate. Generally speaking, the discomfort should go away on its own after a few days.
Your jaw may be a bit sore after your procedure as a side effect of needing to hold your mouth open for an extended period of time. Naturally, this is also temporary and should fade away after a while.
Managing Your Pain After a Root Canal
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and other over-the-counter pain relievers can often help you keep your discomfort under control after root canal treatment. It’s generally recommended that you only eat soft foods for a few days; trying to chew on hard foods while your mouth is still healing may lead to further pain.
If there’s any swelling around the treatment area, you can reduce it with an ice pack. Rinsing with salt water can also help soothe any inflammation in your mouth. Your dentist may have additional pain management tips, so don’t be afraid to ask.
When Do You Need to Seek Help?
If your pain grows severe enough to the point where it interferes with your ability to perform your regular daily activities, it could be a sign that something has gone wrong. Additionally, you should take note if discomfort and swelling don’t go away after a certain period of time. In some cases, you might also develop a fever or experience changes in your bite.
If you have noticed any of the symptoms described above, call your dentist immediately. Once they’ve examined your tooth, they can determine what steps you might need to take next. Naturally, they’ll prioritize options that let you keep your tooth while putting a stop to your pain.
On the whole, there’s no need to be overly worried about discomfort after root canal treatment. As long as you follow your dentist’s directions, you can generally look forward to a smooth recovery process.
About the Author
Dr. Mohammad Golparvar has previously worked at Boston University Dental School as an Assistant Clinical Professor for over four years. Today, he helps his patients enjoy positive dental experiences at Webster Dental Associates of Manchester. When performing root canal therapy, he takes whatever steps are necessary to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Golparvar, visit his website or call (603) 669-4252.