Can Root Canal Treatment Cause Pain in the Future?

A root canal is a major procedure, so experiencing some pain after is quite normal. A root canal involves deep cleaning the inner chambers of the teeth, which can irritate surrounding nerves and gums. Fortunately, this pain will not last forever. This procedure will even help you avoid pain related to fractured or decayed teeth. It is normal to experience some pain a few days following a root canal. Any pain beyond this point may require a visit to the dentist for additional cleaning or other procedures.

Initial Recovery Period

Root canals were very painful back then. This is why many people avoid it as much as they can. Today, dentists now have pain-relieving measures to reduce the amount of pain you experience as you undergo the procedure. To start, the dentist will apply a local anesthetic to minimize the pain. You are bound to still feel some pressure during the process, but the procedure itself should not be painful.

After the root canal, as the anesthetic wears off, you might experience some sensitivity and pain. This is related to the cleaning process where the dentist makes a small opening in the tooth to clean its pulp chamber. Although uncomfortable, any sensitivity and pain that follows will only last a few days. 

Because the pain from a root canal is usually mild, you will likely only need over-the-counter pain medications for relief. These include ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Still, ask your doctor before taking these medications to ensure that they do not interact with any prescriptions or supplements you are currently taking. Also, avoid chewing hard foods right after the procedure as this can induce more pain.

When to Seek Help

The pain from root canal therapy should decrease over time. If you experience swelling or pain, see your dentist. Many people will need more than one session to complete the root canal procedure. In severe cases, it may require several cleaning sessions, which is usually indicated by recurring pain. The symptoms should ease up if you are taking over-the-counter pain medications. Otherwise, the dentist will temporarily recommend narcotic pain relievers or prescription-strength ibuprofen.

Once the tooth is treated completely, the dentist will put a crown over it. It can be made with porcelain, metal, or gold, and is applied to prevent future damage to the already delicate tooth. At times, pain is a temporary side effect as you start to acclimate yourself to wearing the new crown. 

Managing Pain and Discomfort

Any pain beyond a root canal should be addressed by the dentist. Aside from taking your medications, there are a few other things you can do to manage pain from this procedure. Taking care of your teeth is essential, and you should avoid crunchy and hard foods until the pain improves. It also helps to stop smoking. You might want to consider stress-relieving activities as a kind of pain management as well. Yoga, tai chi, and medication are all practices that can also take your focus off the pain.

A successful root canal procedure will cause some pain for only a few days. This is only temporary and will go away for as long as you religiously practice good oral hygiene. Go to your dentist for a follow-up consultation if the pain goes beyond three days. If you are a candidate for a root canal, you will most likely experience less pain over time. Studies have shown that you are six times more likely to be pain-free compared to someone who chooses not to go through the procedure at all.