In the past, root canal therapy was a painful procedure that struck dread into patients’ hearts. Today, though, this treatment is quite comfortable. Modern techniques and anesthesia mean that most patients can breeze through the procedure while feeling little to nothing. Not long after their appointment, they are back to feeling normal. But what if you experience pain after a root canal in Saratoga? Depending on what the pain feels like, you might need to schedule an appointment with an endodontist.
Mild Pain
Mild pain after a root canal is normal. After all, your endodontist accessed the inner layers of your tooth, which can irritate your oral tissues. However, any pain you experienced before your treatment should disappear right away because the nerve that was causing your toothache was removed during your appointment.
Taking pain relievers, avoiding tough foods, and getting plenty of rest can all help to keep your discomfort to a minimum. For most patients, any pain is completely gone within three or four days.
Failed Root Canal Therapy
If the pain you experience after a root canal is severe enough that it interferes with your ability to go about your daily activities, give an endodontist a call. Tell them exactly what you are experiencing. They will probably schedule you for an appointment as soon as possible.
The problem might be that the original root canal did not remove all of the infected tissue from within the tooth. In such cases, it is the damage to the tooth, rather than the root canal, that is the cause of the pain. You might need endodontic retreatment, which essentially means that your endodontist will have to access the tooth’s interior and make another effort to clean it out.
Root Canal Therapy vs. Extractions
Some people might prefer an extraction over root canal therapy because the latter treatment is not successful 100% of the time. However, root canals are successful in over 95% of cases if they are performed by a qualified endodontist. Tooth extractions, on the other hand, have a higher risk of infection. Plus, the recovery time is longer and often much more painful than what patients experience following a root canal.
Of course, there is no “one size fits all” treatment. If you want help to compare your options for addressing a damaged tooth, talk with a dental professional. They will let you know about the potential risks and rewards of each of your options, and they can educate you about how you may feel during your recovery.
Root canal therapy is more comfortable than most people expect! Learning more about this remarkable treatment can help you commit to it with confidence.
Meet the Practice
The endodontists at Endodontic Associates Saratoga have decades of combined experience. They approach each case carefully with the goal of promoting patients’ comfort and oral health. If you believe you need root canal therapy or endodontic retreatment, they are ready to consult with you. Contact our practice at 408-255-6511.
