Root Canal Pain: What’s Normal & How to Find Relief

Dentist standing next to a dental xray and pointing to dental roots for the patient sitting in the dental chair

Are you worried about your upcoming root canal therapy appointment at Washington Court House Dental? Don’t be! Led by Dr. Michael Pappas, our dental team offers expert endodontic treatment. We provide gentle root canals in Washington Court House, OH and even offer a variety of sedation options to keep you feeling safe and comfortable.

Still, it’s normal to be a little bit nervous about a root canal, especially if you’re wondering about whether or not your treatment will hurt. In this guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about root canal pain both during and after your procedure.

Does Getting A Root Canal Hurt? What To Expect

The short answer? No. Root canal treatment does not hurt. Your mouth will be numb during the procedure, and we offer sedation options including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation, and even IV sedation at our office.

What to expect from the root canal process

During your first visit to Washington Court House Dental, your dentist will examine your tooth and take X-rays to determine the extent of your tooth infection. This helps them plan for your root canal procedure and ensures that they can clean out your tooth thoroughly. At this time, you can also discuss your options for sedation to make sure you feel totally comfortable. 

Then, at your next visit, your dentist at Washington Court House Dental will administer sedation, if necessary, and then numb and clean up the treatment area. They will remove damaged tooth material and create a small opening in the tooth.

Then, your dentist will remove the infection from inside your tooth, fill it with an inert material, and cover it with a temporary filling or crown. You will usually need to come back to Washington Court House Dental for another visit to get a permanent porcelain crown.

Root canals are your ticket to relief from tooth pain

The root canal process is simple and pain-free. But if you’re still nervous about your treatment, we recommend mentally preparing yourself by thinking about your toothache.  Once you get root canal therapy from Washington Court House Dental, that pain will be completely gone!

While your tooth may be a little tender for a few days after your root canal, it will still feel much better compared to the pain of an untreated tooth infection. And with sedation available at our office, you can feel more comfortable or even sleep through your entire treatment!

Will My Tooth Hurt After Root Canal Therapy?

Once your numbing and sedation wear off, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort near the treated tooth. However, we’ve got good news! This pain is minor, and you’ll get instant relief from your toothache.

Even if your tooth is sore or tender for a few days, it will be much less painful compared to how it was before treatment. And as your mouth heals and recovers, you’ll start to feel less pain, typically within just a day or two. Here are some steps you can follow for root canal pain relief and to help speed up the recovery process:

  • Eat a diet of soft foods to minimize discomfort
  • Chew on the other side of your mouth when possible
  • Avoid super hot or cold foods for a few days
  • Take any prescription or over-the-counter medication as directed by your dentist
  • Apply topical pain reliever such as Orajel to help with discomfort
  • Ice the affected area for 20 minutes to help with inflammation and swelling
  • Follow all other instructions from your dentist at Washington Court House Dental

The Signs That Something’s Wrong After A Root Canal

Root canal treatment is simple, and usually only causes minor discomfort and sensitivity for a few days. However, if you notice one of the following issues, you may need to come back to Washington Court House Dental for a follow-up.

  • Pain comes back or worsens within a few days – If your toothache comes back or gets worse after root canal treatment, this is an indication that the treatment may have failed.

  • Swelling or inflammation near the treated tooth – If you notice swelling in your gums, face, or jaw near the tooth that got a root canal, this is a sign that the infection may not have been fully eliminated from your tooth.

  • Your tooth is still really sensitive to heat and cold – Tooth sensitivity is common for a few days after a root canal, but should start to fade within a few days of your treatment. If your sensitivity hasn’t improved or seems to be getting worse over time, you may need to schedule a follow-up.

What Happens If My Root Canal Fails?

Root canal failure happens when your dentist does not remove all of the infection from your tooth. This is not very common. The average success rate of a root canal is between 95% and 98%.

Root canal failure can happen due to abnormal root anatomy, failure by the dentist to thoroughly clean out the tooth, a failed temporary filling or crown, and a few other causes. At Washington Court House Dental, Dr. Pappas and our dentists have extensive training that helps minimize the chances of root canal failure. 

If your root canal does fail, you will typically need “root canal retreatment.” This process is basically identical to getting a root canal. Your dentist will open up your tooth, then clean out the infection and damaged tissue from any areas that may have been missed during the first root canal procedure.

How To Avoid A Root Canal – Our Top Tips

In most cases, tooth infections and root canals are completely avoidable. Want to make sure you keep your smile healthy and reduce your risk of needing a root canal in Washington Court House, OH? Here are a few tips you should follow:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice per day and flossing once per day
  • See Washington Court House Dental every six months for a checkup and teeth cleaning
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and avoid sugary and acidic drinks
  • Stay away from sugary and starchy snacks
  • Quit smoking, vaping, or any other kind of tobacco/nicotine use
  • Get dental treatment ASAP if you chip, crack, or damage one of your teeth

Experiencing Tooth Pain? Get The Help You Need ASAP

If you’ve been looking for a root canal near me in Washington Court House, OH, Dr. Pappas and our team of dentists are here to help. We offer expert endodontic care. If you have a toothache and think that your tooth may be infected, we are here to get you out of pain, restore your tooth, and get you back to your normal routine. Give us a call at (740) 333-7290 or contact us online to book your first visit and get the care you need.

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