Thanks to modern anesthetics, you can be reasonably confident that getting a root canal won’t be very painful. Most patients find the treatment to be more comparable to a dental filling than some sort of medieval torture method. That said, you will probably experience some discomfort once the local anesthetic wears off. Keep reading so you’ll know what to do for root canal recovery aches.
Isn’t a Root Canal Supposed to Eliminate Pain?
Ultimately, yes, that is part of the goal. But let’s walk this back a bit. Dentists typically recommend root canal treatments when something needs to be removed from the inside of your tooth, like an infection or decaying roots. Not everyone who needs a root canal has a toothache, and while any severe pain will be taken care of, it simply takes time for the surrounding area to heal after being poked with a needle and dental tools.
How to Mitigate Recovery Aches
Fortunately, the type of discomfort you’ll likely experience isn’t major. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to alleviate soreness, and as an anti-inflammatory, ibuprofen is often particularly effective. Here are some other tips:
- Take pain relievers consistently and as directed, even if you’re not aching in the moment. Regular doses don’t just help with immediate pain; they also prevent pain and reduce swelling.
- Stick to soft foods and mild liquids to avoid putting too much pressure on your tender teeth and gums.
- You should still brush twice daily and floss once per day to keep bacteria at bay but do so carefully around your treated tooth.
Lean on these best practices, and you’ll likely have a smooth recovery.
Normal vs. Abnormal Discomfort
There is such a thing as too much pain when it comes to post-treatment aches. Severe or prolonged discomfort could indicate that something isn’t quite right and is worth calling your emergency dentist about. You should also contact them right away if you experience worsening swelling, fever-like symptoms or general malaise, or feel that your bite doesn’t rest quite right. Even if your emergency dentist determines that everything’s a-okay, it’s better to get these serious effects looked at.
Overall, your root canal recovery pain shouldn’t be dramatic or long-lasting. If you ever need more advice on making yourself comfortable or think that something might be off, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist. They’re there to help you with your oral health and wellness, after all!
About the Practice
At EMA Dental of Westfield, we’re proud to have several general dentists and specialists on staff so we can offer a truly comprehensive list of services. Our friendly and compassionate team will be able to assist you with every step of your dental emergency, including post-root canal recovery. If you need help alleviating pain or suspect you might be experiencing a treatment complication, contact our office at 413-568-1698.