Root Canal: Managing Pain After Your Procedure

A root canal is a common procedure where dentists remove infected pulp from inside a tooth, cleanse the area thoroughly, and seal it to prevent further infection. 

Some people just have a filling, while others have a crown, depending on the best option for each tooth. Around 15 million root canals take place in the United States each year — that’s about 41,000 every day. 

We often perform root canals at Fremaux Dental Care to save a tooth that’s badly infected or decayed. It’s normal to experience some pain or discomfort after a root canal while your mouth heals, but with the right care, it won’t be as bad as you might fear.

Knowing what to expect and how to manage pain can help you recover quickly and comfortably.

Why you feel pain after a root canal

During a root canal, we remove the nerves inside your tooth, so you shouldn’t feel pain in that tooth anymore. However, you may still experience some discomfort after the procedure for the following reasons:

Inflammation

Inflammation — your body’s natural healing process — can cause swelling and tenderness around the treated tooth.

Tissue irritation

The dental instruments we use during the procedure can sometimes cause minor irritation to surrounding gums and tissues.

Jaw soreness

Keeping your mouth wide open for an extended period during a root canal can lead to temporary jaw pain.

These symptoms usually improve within a few days, but there are several ways to manage pain and promote healing.

Pain management tips after a root canal

Here are our recommendations for managing pain after a root canal:

1. Take pain medication as directed

We may recommend or prescribe pain relievers to help with discomfort. Common options include over-the-counter ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can help reduce pain and inflammation. If your pain is more intense, we may prescribe a stronger painkiller. Always follow the dosage instructions carefully.

2. Apply ice packs

You can reduce swelling and tenderness by applying an ice pack to the outside of your face near the treated tooth. Use it for 15-20 minutes with breaks in between applications to avoid skin irritation.

3. Eat soft foods

For the first few days after a root canal, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as:

• Yogurt
• Mashed potatoes
• Soup
• Scrambled eggs
• Applesauce

Avoid eating hard, crunchy, and sticky foods that could put pressure on the treated tooth.

4. Keep your mouth clean

Excellent oral hygiene prevents infection and speeds up healing after a root canal. Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the treated area for the first day. Rinse your mouth warm water containing ½ teaspoon of salt to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol, as they may cause irritation.

5. Rest and avoid strenuous activities

Give your body time to heal by getting plenty of rest. Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, or activities that could increase blood flow to your head, as this may lead to more discomfort.

6. Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking slows down your body’s healing process and increases your risk of infection. Alcohol can interfere with pain medications. Avoid both for at least a few days after your root canal and consider quitting altogether.

7. Be cautious when chewing

Even though we seal your tooth, it may still be sensitive for a few days. Chewing on the opposite side of your mouth avoids putting pressure on the treated tooth.

Studies show that the average time a tooth survives after root canal treatment is 11.1 years, while 26% of teeth survive more than 20 years, so the procedure is well worth having.

Root canal problems

While some discomfort is normal after you have a root canal, certain symptoms could indicate a problem. Contact us if you experience:

• Severe pain that doesn’t improve after a few days
• Swelling that worsens instead of getting better
• A fever or chills, which could signal an infection
• An uneven bite or difficulty closing your mouth properly
• A broken or lost temporary filling (if you have one)

If you ever have concerns about your recovery, don’t hesitate to reach out to us so we can provide guidance and ensure everything’s healing as it should. Remember, a root canal is meant to save your tooth and relieve pain in the long run. With proper aftercare, you’ll soon be able to enjoy a healthy, pain-free smile.

Recovering from a root canal doesn’t have to be painful or stressful. By following our instructions and taking simple steps to manage discomfort, you can heal quickly and get back to your regular routine.

To learn more about root canals and recovery, call our office in Slidell, Louisiana, or use the online inquiry form to get in touch.