{"id":181,"date":"2023-08-17T10:46:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-17T10:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.onpointdentistryfrisco.com\/blog\/?p=181"},"modified":"2023-09-25T15:59:10","modified_gmt":"2023-09-25T15:59:10","slug":"is-there-much-pain-after-a-root-canal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.onpointdentistryfrisco.com\/blog\/2023\/08\/17\/is-there-much-pain-after-a-root-canal\/","title":{"rendered":"Is There (Much) Pain After a Root Canal?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If your dentist has recently informed you that you need a root canal<\/a>, you might fear you\u2019ll ache a lot afterward. That\u2019s a fair concern \u2013 rumors can make the procedure seem awful. Truthfully, you shouldn\u2019t be afraid; there actually isn\u2019t much pain after a root canal. In fact, any post-treatment discomfort it causes is very manageable. To that end, here\u2019s a summary of root canal pain\u2019s causes, why it\u2019s usually mild, and when to see a dentist for it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What (Usually) Causes Pain After a Root Canal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remember: a root canal\u2019s purpose is to relieve your toothache. That\u2019s why your dentist removes your infected pulp and various aching nerves. Once that\u2019s done, the treated pearly white feels better in the long run and has better protection from decay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Given this reality, several things can cause pain after a root canal. One is inflamed gum tissue, which contains nerves surrounding the affected tooth. Another is instrument damage that (inadvertently) damages the tooth\u2019s adjacent area. Lastly, a temporary filling might not be smooth enough and cause your mouth to bite harder than usual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Much Pain Should You Expect?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Contrary to stereotypes and pop culture, soreness from a root canal isn\u2019t extreme. It\u2019s almost always low-level and easily managed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, patients report only mild to moderate discomfort after root canal therapy. As the body heals from care, the area around the tooth can feel tender. Some people also deal with a sore jaw in the post-treatment phase. However, none of these aches and pains should be severe or debilitating. They normally persist for a few days (at most) and then fade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, post-treatment pain is manageable with good dental habits. For example, proper oral care will keep food bits and harmful bacteria from the treatment site. A crown or filling for the treated tooth will also protect the decayed area from stimuli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should You See a Dentist?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, not all post-root-canal pain is mild. It\u2019s a serious matter if it gets severe and persists alongside signs like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n