Pain After a Root Canal - What's Normal?

Some dental interventions can seem scary to some people and cause them to skip the needed dental appointments that will help them keep their oral health in check and enjoy a perfect smile.

This is especially true when it comes to root canals in Scarsdale, as many people believe that they are painful procedures. Even though most dental interventions do have a degree of discomfort, extreme pain is not to be expected during the procedure.

But what happens if you experience pain after the root canal? Is that normal, or should you be worried about it? 

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is needed when the pulp found inside the tooth has been affected by an infection. 

During a root canal procedure, your Scarsdale dentist will extract the damaged pulp making it possible for the tooth to be saved. After the pulp is extracted and the area is cleaned, your dentist will apply a filling to seal the tooth.

Root canals can help you preserve your natural tooth in cases where the pulp is inflamed or infected. 

After your tooth is cleaned and sealed, you will be able to chew and eat properly and not risk having your tooth removed. 

Is It Painful? 

Root canals are performed under anesthesia, so the procedure is not painful. 

Thanks to medical advances, we can go through complex dental procedures without feeling any pain.

The first thing the dentist does when starting a root canal procedure is to apply local anesthesia. Even though you might feel pressure during the root canal, there is no pain involved. 

After the procedure is over and the anesthesia starts to wear off, you might start experiencing sensitivity in that area, as well as mild pain. But, as we said, the pain, sensitivity, and discomfort will start decreasing and disappear within a few days. 

Your doctor might give you OTC medication to ease the pain and a set of recommendations to follow after the intervention.

If you experience growing pain that does not go away within a few days, it is time to revisit your dentist. 

What Happens After Having a Root Canal Intervention?

Root canals are not very different from other dental procedures, such as fillings or getting a wisdom tooth removed. What does happen is that root canals can feel a little sorer, causing some discomfort that can last for a few days after the procedure.

It's absolutely normal to experience some degree of pain after the root canal. The pain can vary from mild to moderate. If the pain persists for too long or it increases, it might be an indication that you need a second intervention for additional cleaning. 

Get in Touch With Us Now! 

You can count on Scarsdale Smiles for most of your dental needs. We will not only treat your teeth but also educate you as we aim to set you for a lifetime of optimal oral health. 

Contact us today and schedule an appointment with Scarsdale dentist Dr. Alexander Cox.