Root Canal Pain: How to Cope Post-Procedure

Wondering how much pain is normal after a root canal? Need to know the best way to manage root canal pain after the procedure? This is the article for you!

Pain after a root canal procedure is relatively common. But the fact that it's common doesn't make it any easier to deal with. If you've been wondering, "How can I manage pain after a root canal?" then this article could help.



Let's explore what happens during a root canal, what to expect after the procedure, and how to cope with root canal pain. This way, you can alleviate as much stress and discomfort as possible during the healing process.

What Happens During a Root Canal?

It's crucial to discuss what happens during a root canal to understand why you might be experiencing pain after the procedure. In many cases, root canals become necessary due to an infection within a tooth.



Accessing the infected area can be challenging. As such, your dentist may shave away a small portion of enamel to access the tooth's root. However, infections commonly stem from cavities or openings in the tooth.

Once the dentist can access the infected root pulp, they can apply sterile solutions to clean the area. After the tooth's inner cavity has been cleaned, the dentist can seal the tooth to prevent further infection.

Teeth may be sealed with many different materials, though tooth-colored fillings, like amalgam, are common. To help prevent painful sensations during the procedure, your dentist may use a local anesthetic.

A local anesthetic can be applied to the gums via the dentist's fingers. However, some anesthetics must be injected along the gum line. This can pinch slightly, but it shouldn't be painful.

Common Post-Procedure Symptoms

While root canals are often painless, the post-procedure recovery stage can be uncomfortable. Many dentists recommend avoiding hard foods for at least the first day after a root canal. 



Additionally, a patient's jaw or gum line may feel swollen, inflamed, and tender to the touch. Some of the most common symptoms associated with the root canal recovery process include:

• An uneven bite
• Slight swelling
• Mild to moderate pain
• Headache
• Difficulty speaking or eating

Fortunately, these symptoms tend to resolve themselves within several days, especially when patients follow their dentist's advice.

Still, if you aren't able to take the day off work or have children at home to care for, managing these symptoms can be tricky. This leaves many wondering, "What can I do to get rid of pain after a root canal?"

How to Cope With Root Canal Pain

Sadly, coping with root canal pain isn't as simple as snapping your fingers and feeling better. However, it's not that far off.

The most effective tool you can use to combat root canal pain is time. In most cases, patients need to allow their bodies enough time to heal. Once their bodies have recovered, the pain disappears.

However, getting through the few days of achiness, tiredness, and general discomfort requires a little extra help. Unless you have severe kidney or liver conditions, you may be able to use over-the-counter painkillers.

Over-the-Counter Painkillers



Aspirin and ibuprofen are two of the most common and popular of these medicines. In most cases, a standard dosage of such painkillers should be enough to lessen post-procedure pain.

Just be sure to avoid drinking alcohol while using these common drugs, and pay attention to any warnings. Aspirin and ibuprofen can damage your liver (especially if over consumed or taken with alcohol).

Some individuals may want to choose an alternative form of pain relief. Fortunately, there are quite a few options!

Alternative Pain Relief

Those who cannot use standard painkillers may want to consume liquids and soft foods for at least a week to help their mouths heal faster. Avoiding foods that may cause further trauma is crucial to preventing pain.

Meditation and regular exercise may also help. That's because these activities can encourage dopamine production and release. Dopamine is a chemical our bodies produce that helps to make us feel happy.

Another common biological chemical, a hormone called adrenaline, is also a common side effect of regular exercise. When your body experiences an adrenaline rush, it's less likely to feel painful sensations.

Still, if pain persists for more than one week (or it gets a lot worse), you may want to seek post-procedure medical care.

When to Seek Additional Medical Care

How much pain is normal after a root canal? Generally, the pain should only be very mild. It may increase when eating or speaking, and those with bruxism (teeth grinding) may experience the highest levels of pain.



Still, patients tend to experience less pain after a root canal than before. One of the greatest indications of an inner tooth infection is sudden, intense pain.

After a root canal procedure, this sharp pain should immediately disappear. But if post-procedure pain lasts for more than a week, there may be a problem.

If you've had a root canal and are experiencing prolonged or intense pain, you should seek additional medical care. Don't be afraid to call your dentist for advice or to schedule a follow-up appointment.

Enjoy a Healthy Pain-Free Smile Today

Preventative procedures (like regular cleanings) could help prevent tooth decay and help you avoid root canals altogether. However, sometimes even the most diligent folks can end up with tooth decay and need a root canal.

If you've recently undergone a root canal, you might experience some post root canal pain. Pain is most common when eating, drinking, or speaking. Over-the-counter pain relievers are often the best way to reduce this pain.



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