Is There (Much) Pain After a Root Canal?

If your dentist has recently informed you that you need a root canal, you might fear you’ll ache a lot afterward. That’s a fair concern – rumors can make the procedure seem awful. Truthfully, you shouldn’t be afraid; there actually isn’t much pain after a root canal. In fact, any post-treatment discomfort it causes is very manageable. To that end, here’s a summary of root canal pain’s causes, why it’s usually mild, and when to see a dentist for it.

What (Usually) Causes Pain After a Root Canal?

Remember: a root canal’s purpose is to relieve your toothache. That’s why your dentist removes your infected pulp and various aching nerves. Once that’s done, the treated pearly white feels better in the long run and has better protection from decay.

Given this reality, several things can cause pain after a root canal. One is inflamed gum tissue, which contains nerves surrounding the affected tooth. Another is instrument damage that (inadvertently) damages the tooth’s adjacent area. Lastly, a temporary filling might not be smooth enough and cause your mouth to bite harder than usual.

How Much Pain Should You Expect?

Contrary to stereotypes and pop culture, soreness from a root canal isn’t extreme. It’s almost always low-level and easily managed.

Typically, patients report only mild to moderate discomfort after root canal therapy. As the body heals from care, the area around the tooth can feel tender. Some people also deal with a sore jaw in the post-treatment phase. However, none of these aches and pains should be severe or debilitating. They normally persist for a few days (at most) and then fade.

At the same time, post-treatment pain is manageable with good dental habits. For example, proper oral care will keep food bits and harmful bacteria from the treatment site. A crown or filling for the treated tooth will also protect the decayed area from stimuli.

When Should You See a Dentist?

Unfortunately, not all post-root-canal pain is mild. It’s a serious matter if it gets severe and persists alongside signs like:

• A High Fever
• Facial Swelling
• An Uneven Bite
• Flu-Like Symptoms

Should you experience any of the above, see a dentist immediately. They can diagnose whether you have an infection and rule out tooth cracks or fractures. Given the situation, they can even perform a root canal retreatment.

As you can see, pain after a root canal is rarely extreme. So, go into treatment with the confidence that it’ll ease your aching mouth.

About the Practice

On Point Dentistry is based in Frisco, TX. Led by Drs. Marco Caballeros and Carlos Parra, our practice gives each patient the healthiest smile possible. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services, as well as emergency dental work. The latter option even includes treatments like tooth extractions and root canal therapy. For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (469)-476-4092.