Toothache after root canal treatment

What is root canal treatment?

Let's start with what root canal treatment is. Root canal treatment, also called endodontics, is a procedure that involves removing diseased or damaged pulp from a tooth. Pulp is a tissue located inside the tooth root, containing nerves and blood vessels responsible for sensation in the tooth. Root canal treatment is usually done when the pulp is damaged or infected, which can lead to pain, pulpitis, or inflammation around the tooth.

During root canal treatment, the dentist removes the damaged pulp, and then fills the root canal with a special material that prevents re-infection and stabilizes the tooth. Root canal treatment is one of the most frequently performed dental procedures and can save the tooth from having to be removed. This is an effective way to treat pain caused by infection or damage to the pulp, but it can also lead to the occurrence of toothache after surgery.

Causes of toothache after root canal treatment

Toothache after root canal treatment can have various causes, and some of them are natural effects of the treatment itself. Below are the most common causes:

• Periapical inflammation — inflammation around the tooth after root canal treatment, causing swelling, sensitivity to touch and pain.
• Too much material filling the root canal — excessive filling can cause excessive pressure on the tissues around the root, which provokes pain.
• Inaccurate removal of all diseased tissue If all infected pulp fragments have not been removed, the infection may develop, causing pain.
• Hypersensitivity of the tooth After treatment, the tooth may be more sensitive to changes in temperature, pressure or touch.
• Inaccurate tooth filling An improperly filled tooth can cause uneven pressure and pain.
• Infection outside the tooth The pain may be due to an infection in another part of the mouth.

It is worth remembering that pain after root canal treatment is a normal symptom that can persist for several days. However, if the pain is intense, lasts more than a few days, or if additional symptoms such as fever or swelling appear, you should contact your dentist.

Tooth infection after root canal treatment

Although root canal treatment is effective, in some cases infection can occur after surgery. The reasons are different:

• Inadequate filling of canals — bacteria can enter the inside of the tooth, causing infection.
• The survival of bacteria that existed before treatment - they can provoke re-infection.
• Problems with oral hygiene — insufficient brushing of teeth or eating products that contaminate the tooth.

Symptoms of toothache after root canal treatment

Symptoms may vary depending on the cause and the individual reaction of the body:

• Pain — can be mild or intense, last for a short or long time, occur in different places of the tooth.
• Sensitivity — to touch, temperature changes, sweet or sour products.
• Swelling — causing discomfort and pain.
• Fever — may be accompanied by infection.
• Feeling unwell — irritability, problems with eating or sleeping.

Not all patients experience pain, and symptoms may vary.

Tooth hypersensitivity after root canal treatment

Hypersensitivity is quite common and can result from the treatment itself or from other factors such as tooth damage or periodontal disease. Symptoms include pain at temperature changes, pain when biting or discomfort when touched.

To reduce hypersensitivity, you can use:

• special toothpastes for people with hypersensitivity,
• preparations that block pain receptors (e.g. gels, lotions),
• fluorine varnish to strengthen enamel.

Before using the preparations, it is worth consulting with a dentist.

The tooth after root canal treatment hurts with pressure

Pain when pressed can result from:

• leaving the remains of dead pulp or inflamed tissues,
• inaccurate treatment (e.g. failure to remove the entire infection, improper filling),
• mechanical injuries, such as a fracture of the root or damage to the periapical tissues.

Can a canal-treated tooth hurt after a few years?

Yeah, maybe. Root canal treatment does not guarantee a permanent cure. The tooth can be prone to injury, periodontal disease, caries or secondary infections. Bacteria can re-infect the tooth even after years, causing pain, swelling, hypersensitivity and fever. In this case, it is necessary to re-treat the canal or other procedures.

How long can a tooth hurt after root canal treatment?

The duration of pain depends on:

• degree of inflammation,
• the number of visits and the accuracy of treatment,
• the state of health of the patient.

Typically, the pain should gradually subside within a few days and completely disappear by 2 weeks. If the pain persists longer or is very severe, a dentist should be consulted.

How to relieve toothache after root canal treatment?

Here are some proven ways:

• Analgesics Paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin (as directed by your doctor)
• Use of cold or warm compresses — on the cheek for about 20 minutes every hour.
• Avoiding hot or very cold foods and drinks.
• Avoiding hard and sticky foodsdiseases that can cause pain.
• Visit to the dentist — if the pain does not go away or is very severe.

When will rinsing teeth with baking soda help?

Rinsing the mouth with baking soda can:

• reduce tooth sensitivity,
• prevent caries,
• reduce the formation of plaque,
• help whiten teeth.

However, they should be used in moderation, as soda can irritate the gums and destroy the enamel with frequent use.

Repeated root canal treatment

Repeated root canal treatment (resection of the apex of the root) is necessary when the primary treatment has not had an effect and the tooth continues to cause problems. This may be due to inaccurate removal of the infection, poor filling or re-infection.

During repeated treatment, the dentist:

• conducts a thorough examination,
• removes infected tissue,
• cleans the root canals,
• fills them with obstructive material.

Resection of the tip of the root is a complex procedure that requires experience. After it, proper oral hygiene and regular check-ups are important.