Pain After Root Canal: How Long Does Root Canal Pain Last?

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Ah, the pain of a root canal! Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. But fear not—we're here to tell you that the pain is totally normal and expected.

In fact, a root canal is just like getting a dental cleaning except with a little more ouch! The procedure involves removing decay or infection from inside your tooth and replacing the damaged part with a plastic tube or piece of bone. 

A dentist may use tools like tiny drills, lasers, or even high-powered electricity to remove the infection. 

The procedure can be uncomfortable but usually lasts only a few minutes. And once you're back in your regular routine, you probably won't even notice any lingering pain or discomfort!

In this blog, we will tell you how to deal with tooth pain after the root canal and what you should and should not do! So read on!

Understanding the Pain After Root Canal Treatment

Root canals are a common dental procedure used to treat severe tooth decay or infection that has reached the inner chamber of a tooth. While root canal treatment can save an infected tooth, it does come with some pain afterwards as the body adjusts to the newly treated area.

Fortunately, there are measures you can take to manage post-root canal pain to make your recovery easier and more comfortable.

Pain after root canal treatment is usually due to inflammation caused by the removal of infected tissue during the procedure. This is why patients need to follow their dentist’s instructions closely to minimize any discomfort afterwards.

Taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may also help reduce swelling and inflammation while providing relief from pain.

Additionally, applying ice packs directly onto affected areas of the mouth may provide additional relief from discomfort when needed.

It's also important to keep up with good oral hygiene practices following a root canal treatment to prevent further infection or discomfort in the future. 

This includes brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once daily, and rinsing regularly with an antiseptic mouthwash such as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). 

If necessary, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if they believe that bacteria is still present after your root canal treatment has been completed - so be sure to stick with their recommended dose!

Finally, don't forget about regular checkups - these visits will help ensure that your teeth remain healthy going forward! 

Taking Medications to Manage Pain After Root Canal

Antibiotics may be prescribed by a dentist prior to a root canal operation to increase the likelihood of a favourable result. Antibiotics are typically maintained following the operation.

After the treatment, the dentist may additionally advise you to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen (both of which are available over the counter), or oxaprozin or ketorolac (both of which are prescription only). 

This can help to minimize inflammation and speed up recovery. In some circumstances, the dentist may prescribe a codeine-based pain medication for short-term usage.

Ideally, it is always good to talk to your dentist again in the event of pain and discomfort after a root canal treatment. 

Home Remedies for Managing Pain After Root Canal

The throbbing pain after a root canal surgery can be a nuisance that interrupts our daily lives, but it doesn’t have to. 

If you have recently just got a root canal procedure done, and you are wondering what are a few immediate ways to solve the pain, this part here has a few home remedies that help ease the pain!

Here are a few tips to help ease the Root Canal Pain:

1. Cold Compress: 

A cold compress is an ancient yet effective therapy for root canal pain and oedema. When you go home, apply a cold compress, a cold towel, or a bag of ice or vegetables to your cheek (on the treatment area side).

The cooling will minimize swelling and relieve discomfort. Allow at least 5 minutes for the compress or ice to be applied to the treated area.

If the pain and swelling persist or return, repeat this procedure every 15 minutes until your discomfort is relieved. 

2. Meals that are soft and bland: 

Eating soft, bland meals is one of the greatest methods to relieve root canal discomfort. Stick to soft meals for the first several days after root canal therapy. 

Why? Pressure from hard, crunchy meals, on the other hand, may irritate your gums and nerves, exacerbating your discomfort.

3. Salt Water Solution: 

Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in a warm cup of water for around 12 hours following your root canal procedure. Swish the salty water in your mouth for 1 minute after mixing the salt into the water. 

Not only does the salty water soothe swollen and irritated gums and cheek tissues, but it also decreases inflammation (swelling) and lowers your risk of bacterial infections at the treatment site. 

Continue this technique at least three to four times each day, or until your pain and suffering have subsided.

4. Elevated Pillow Technique: 

Finally, before going to bed, elevate your pillow and/or the head of your bed to alleviate root canal discomfort. 

Elevating your pillow not only aids in the reduction or prevention of bleeding from the treatment site but also alleviates painful gum and nerve throbbing.

5. Orajel: 

Orajel is another treatment for post-root canal pain and discomfort. 

Orajel is an over-the-counter benzocaine topical gel that numbs the gums, nerves, and inflammatory tissues in the treated region briefly.

This Is How You Shouldn’t Solve Your Pain After a Root Canal

A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat infected or damaged teeth that may cause pain and discomfort. Unfortunately, this procedure does not always solve the pain problem.

If you’re experiencing ongoing pain after your root canal, it could be because the infection wasn’t completely removed from the tooth or there is an issue with the restoration of the tooth.

It is important to avoid self-medicating as it can lead to further problems down the line such as infection and even loss of teeth.

One thing you should never do when trying to relieve your post-root canal pain is to take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen without consulting your dentist first.

This could mask any underlying issues and make them worse in the long run, so it’s best to have your dentist diagnose what’s going on first before taking anything else into consideration.

Another thing you should avoid doing when dealing with post-root canal pain is drinking alcohol or eating spicy foods until all inflammation has subsided and healing has taken place properly; these activities can irritate inflamed tissues and result in more intense discomfort than before treatment began. 

Instead, focus on consuming soft foods high in nutrition like yogurt, smoothies, soups, and other easy-digested items that won't aggravate existing tenderness in your mouth due to a recent root canal appointment!