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When to See Your Dentist About Post-Root Canal Pain

When to See Your Dentist About Post-Root Canal Pain

It is normal after having a root canal in Marysville to experience some pain. This type of oral surgery requires working inside your tooth and removing various parts to ensure it is free of infection. However, once you are home, antibiotics and prescription medication can help to minimize any discomfort. But what if the soreness and pain intensify? Is it common? Should you seek the help of a dental professional? A local dentist explains what you can expect after undergoing a root canal and when you should reach out for help if the pain becomes too much to bear.

What Causes Pain After a Root Canal?

After having a root canal, you should feel confident that the infection inside your tooth is no longer capable of causing immense pain. Unfortunately, there are situations when soreness and discomfort can continue to linger and increase after the procedure is complete. What can cause this to happen? Is it possible there is a complication?

Here are the most common reasons you may be continuing to experience pain after a root canal:

Bacteria in the bone: Even if your root canal is completed with no issues, it is possible that bacteria can remain within the bone, near the root. If this happens, the area can remain swollen and extremely painful. With a round of antibiotics, your body’s immune system should be able to fight it off.

Leaking filling: If the filling you receive happens to leak, the tooth can become re-infected, resulting in continued pain from the new bacteria. As long as the root is not cracked or the tooth is not broken beneath the gums, it is possible to treat the problem tooth again.

Large filling or crown: If the filling and/or dental crown are even slightly too big, this can make you more vulnerable to experiencing pain, especially when it hits the opposite tooth when biting down. Fortunately, your dentist can adjust the restoration.

Canals not thoroughly cleaned: If during the procedure your dentist misses a canal, this can lead to additional pain after it is completed. Why? Because bacteria can continue to form, causing an infection. If a nerve remains, you may also experience tooth sensitivity when eating or drinking anything hot or cold. In this situation, it will be necessary to have a second root canal.

What is Considered Normal and When to Seek Help?

Although pain is a normal feeling after the anesthesia wears off and you return home, it should be easily managed with the help of over-the-counter medications as well as antibiotics prescribed by your dentist. However, if pain persists after several days, or you begin to feel as if there is something wrong with the weakened tooth, it is best not to wait. Go ahead and call your dentist’s office to schedule an appointment. If a problem does exist, they can quickly work to fix the problem with the right solutions, allowing you to recovery swiftly and successfully.

A root canal is a common, highly successful dental procedure that can help take away the pain and restore your smile. But should you experience continued pain, do not wait to see your dentist. Contact a member of the team as soon as possible to avoid worsening problems.

Location

6618 64th St. NE, Suite C, Marysville, WA 98270

Office Hours

MON 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

TUE 11:00 am - 7:00 pm

WED 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

THU 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

FRI 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

SAT - SUN Closed

Get in Touch

Email: allencreekdentistry@gmail.com

Phone: (360) 651-2900