As soon as the effects оf local anesthesia wear off, іt іs normal for teeth tо feel sensitive for several days after being treated with local anesthetics; іf pain continues, however, іt could be an indicator that something else іs amiss. Sensitivity following root canal treatment іs quite common and should dissipate within weeks with proper care.
Understanding what causes this sensitivity can help lessen discomfort while your tooth heals. If you’re experiencing persistent dental issues оr seeking routine care іn the Oshawa area, consider consulting with experienced dentists Oshawa has tо offer.
Symptoms
Tooth pain can have an unforeseen impact on daily life, from altering eating habits to interfering with sleeping time. A sharp pain when eating hot or cold foods or responding to stimuli like dental cleanings and brushings may leave you feeling distressed and uncomfortable.
Root canal therapy is designed to alleviate tooth sensitivity by clearing away infection in nerve tissue and treating damaged tooth surfaces. If this approach fails, however, sensitivity could indicate another problem which needs addressing immediately.
Mild discomfort and sensitivity post-root canal is normal and should subside within one week of treatment, depending on factors including how long your tooth was inflamed prior to receiving therapy, complexity of root canal procedure used during procedure as well as medication used and your individual healing abilities.
Causes
Root canal treatment involves cleaning out and extracting infected or inflamed tissues from inside a tooth, but you may experience some post-treatment sensitivity that’s short-lived and easily manageable with proper dental hygiene practices.
After undergoing a root canal procedure, many experience some degree of discomfort for several days post-op. This is likely due to your body’s natural healing process being activated during this process; soreness and swelling typically subside within seven days post-procedure.
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures is also common after having pulp tissue removed, leaving exposed nerve endings more sensitive to temperature changes. The duration of any discomfort varies with time. If persistent pain persists, however, then seeing a dentist might be necessary; they will evaluate your condition and decide whether additional treatment may be required.
Treatment
Root canal procedures typically result in mild discomfort and sensitivity for several days following treatment, especially when chewing or biting down. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may help alleviate these symptoms.
If the tooth sensitivity persists or worsens, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Pain that lasts more than 24 hours could indicate infection or other issues which need to be treated immediately.
Eat soft foods that can easily be chewed and brush and floss your teeth around the affected area gently to reduce extra strain on sensitive teeth. Rinsing with warm salt water may help reduce bacteria that causes pain and inflammation. Your dentist may suggest placing a dental crown or filling over sensitive tooth to protect it and avoid further issues; or they may recommend temporary crowns or restoration until healing processes have completed.
Prevention
Root canal treatments remove all nerve tissue within your tooth, so sensitivity should not occur post-treatment. If this does happen, make an appointment for follow up immediately to address it.
Mild discomfort after any procedure should subside within several days and can typically be managed using OTC pain medications like Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen. Most often, however, this sensitivity subsides within a week after your procedure; if it continues or worsens over time however, this may indicate an underlying issue requiring further attention.
As part of your follow-up visit, your dentist or endodontist will evaluate and address any emerging issues with the tooth, such as cleaning it or refining its restoration or sealing any microleakages. In rare instances, additional treatment might be required such as repeating root canal surgery or performing other therapies – prompt treatment can reduce risks while improving long-term results.
Source: Baddiehub
