Root canal therapy is designed to eliminate pain caused by damaged tooth tissue, not to inflict it. The pain experienced before the procedure stems from this tissue damage; the therapy removes the damaged tissue, thus alleviating the discomfort. However, persistent pain after a root canal may indicate a problem with the treatment.
While some mild discomfort is expected during the healing period, ongoing or worsening pain suggests a potential issue. Several factors can contribute to post-root canal pain:
- Untreated Canals: The tooth may have additional root canals that were not cleaned and filled during the procedure.
- Accessory Canals: Tiny, hard-to-detect accessory canals may exist, making them difficult to locate on X-rays or access with dental instruments.
- Tooth Fracture: The tooth might be fractured due to pre-existing decay and the access cavity created for the root canal, which can weaken the tooth structure.
- Reinfection: The treated root canal may have become reinfected.
- Broken File: A small dental file used during the cleaning process may have broken inside the tooth.
In the days following a root canal, some tenderness in the treated tooth and surrounding gums is normal. This discomfort is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and should subside within a few days. If the pain doesn’t improve, worsens, or is accompanied by swelling, it’s crucial to contact your dentist immediately for evaluation and to determine if complications have arisen.
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