Are root canals painful?
Learn about the reality of root canal pain and discover how modern dentistry has made it more manageable.
It may be a common question, but the good news is, root canal therapy shouldn’t be as painful as you think, thanks to modern techniques and advanced anesthesia. At Aspen Dental, your care team will keep you comfortable throughout your entire procedure.
Does a root canal hurt?
This may surprise you—but a root canal shouldn’t be more uncomfortable than similar common dental procedures. To ensure your maximum comfort during the root canal treatment, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb your affected tooth and gums. That way, you can expect minimal pain, if any, during treatment.
Truthfully, the decision to delay treatment is what can contribute to a more uncomfortable experience.
If you’re experiencing discomfort due to tooth decay, it’s best to contact your local Aspen Dental right away. This will help to mitigate potential complications and prevent tooth loss in the future.
Post-root canal restrictions
Your root canal treatment is considered a basic dental procedure, but there are a few things to remember to help you heal—especially when it comes to eating. If your dentist or endodontist placed a temporary filling on your tooth, they’ll provide you with customized instructions to care for your tooth replacement until you’re able to return to your dentist for your final restoration.
What to eat after a root canal
After a root canal, your mouth might feel a bit tender and sensitive. Opt for soft, gentle foods like scrambled eggs, popsicles, yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes. These options are easy on your teeth and help ensure a comfortable recovery while your mouth heals.
What foods to avoid
After treatment, your mouth will be numb, so wait before eating to avoid burns or biting. Once sensation returns, gradually resume your diet but avoid certain foods. Hot coffee or tea can irritate, and hard foods like nuts or popcorn can disrupt healing. Sticky treats like taffy or caramel may pull on dental work, and tough foods like steak require excessive chewing. Also, avoid alcohol as it can interfere with healing.
Do people experience pain after a root canal?
While the thought of a root canal may seem intimidating, don’t worry. It’s a relatively simple process.
You may feel better immediately after the procedure, or you may experience mild discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, but it should only last a few days. To mitigate any unnecessary pain, your dentist may prescribe you over-the-counter medication. You should be able to return to work and regular daily activities as you heal.
Managing root canal pain
Maintain an oral hygiene routine
To make sure that your teeth are healing after the root canal procedure, your dentist will likely ask that you revisit the office. However, between dental checkups, it’s essential to care for your oral health at home with proper brushing and flossing.
Limit sugar and smoking
To keep your teeth healthy and strong, our Aspen Dental dentists also recommend avoiding smoking and consuming sugary and acidic foods.
Frequent dentist visits
Additionally, it’s important to stay up to date with your dental appointments so your dentist can take check-up x-rays, examine your mouth, decide what kind of professional cleaning you will need, and to catch any potential issues before they arise.
Root canal and infection pain
Your teeth are made up of many different components, but the two main parts are the crown and the root. The crown is the part of the tooth that you can see when you smile, while the root is below the gum line in the jaw bone.
Under the crown, there is a pulp chamber that connects to the root canal. The root canal has dental pulp in it, which is a combination of nerves and blood vessels that connect all the way to the tip of the root.
When the pulp in the tooth becomes infected or inflamed, a root canal might be required. During the root canal procedure, your dental provider will remove the dental pulp from the canal to eliminate any injured or infected areas.
Tooth infection signs after a root canal
There are usually warning signs of a tooth infection, and because the infection location is around sensitive tooth nerves and pulp, pain triggers are an easy telltale sign. These symptoms are important to note, as they may flare up in the instance your root canal fails.
Get to know these symptoms before you get a root canal treatment:
Severe pain while chewing or biting
Pimples on the gums
A chipped or cracked tooth
Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
Swollen or tender gums
Deep decay or darkening of the gums
Having a root canal performed may relieve pain or discomfort you may be feeling and allow you to keep your natural teeth.
What to do with a failed root canal procedure?
If your root canal fails, it may result in many of the same symptoms you experienced before performing the procedure. You may notice pain when eating, swollen or discolored gums, or a pimple on the gum.
You may need another root canal to address the infection or bacteria that may still be lingering in the tooth. Let your dental provider know as soon as you start experiencing problems with your tooth that was previously worked on.
Best oral hygiene practices to reduce the need for a root canal
Proper oral hygiene can help you prevent future root canals and keep your oral health in top shape.
Brush twice a day
Choose a fluoride toothpaste
Use a soft-bristled brush
Visit your dentist annually
Floss! Floss! Floss!
Skip sugary & acidic foods
Treat cavities to prevent deeper damage
See if a root canal is right for you
To learn more about how a root canal procedure could benefit your oral health, visit your Aspen Dental dentist. They’ll be happy to work with you on a personalized care plan to strengthen the health of your smile.