Toothache after root canal treatment - where does it come from and how to relieve it?

Toothache after root canal treatment - where does it come from and how to relieve it?

On 27 December 202325 June 2024In Polish Dentist in the UK, General Dentistry

Endodontic treatment can 'save' a tooth from extraction. Unfortunately, it can also, paradoxically, cause pain. How is this possible, what can be done in such a situation and how to relieve tooth pain after root canal treatment? We invite you to read the article.

Endodontic treatment

Before we move on to the topic of tooth pain after root canal treatment, let us first explain what it consists of. 

Endodontic treatment, or root canal treatmentis a procedure to clean the tooth canals of infected pulp. The doctor cleans the chamber and the canals of the tooth of microorganisms, toxins and pus that have accumulated during the inflammation. Finally, he fills them with liquid gutta-percha.

If you want to learn more we recommend our text "Endodontic treatment in the UK".

However, it is important to remember that dental canals is actually a whole system. They connect to each other, have irregular shapes, form branches, etc. Sometimes, for anatomical reasons, the dentist is unable to see the additional branches and canals. This is why more and more root canal treatment is being used microscopewhich allows for much greater precision.

However, even then, complications can arise.

The painting shows a young woman with short brown hair touching her jaw with her hand and a wry expression, as if she is experiencing a toothache. She has a wide smile, showing her teeth. She wears a white blouse and has a blurred background. She appears to be a dentist or a patient undergoing dental treatment.

Toothache after root canal treatment - causes

It may be that despite the removal of the nerve, the tissues around the tooth are still irritated by the procedure itself. This can cause pain, especially with pressure when biting. 

Another cause of pain after root canal treatment is infection. It may have spread beyond the area that was cleaned during root canal treatment. It can also occur if the canals have not been properly cleaned. As we mentioned, it is an entire system whose branches are only 0.15 mm in diameter. 

And if you want to find out the most effective treatment in this area we recommend our text "Root canal treatment under the microscope".

Pain can also result from an ill-fitting filling or it may be triggered by a tooth adjacent to the tooth being treated.

What should be done in this situation? If the pain after root canal treatment passes after a few days, it means that this was the time needed for tissue regeneration. If not - make an appointment to see your dentist.   

IMPORTANT: Also visit your dentist if mucous membrane changes, e.g. aphthous ulcers, appear in the vicinity of the root canal treatment, or if you develop a high temperature, listlessness and moodiness, i.e. typical symptoms of infection. 

The image shows the work of a dentist in a dental practice in the UK. The dentist, dressed in a white apron, mask and gloves, is examining the mouth of a patient sitting in a dental chair. The equipment and facilities of the dental surgery are visible in the background.

Pain = repeat treatment?

Pain after root canal treatment does not always mean repeat treatment. Firstly, its cause needs to be diagnosed. To do this, an X-ray will be necessary.

If it is found that there is inflammation in the tooth It is likely that the doctor will recommend a second root canal treatment. We wrote more about this topic in an article with a similar title "Repeat root canal treatment - reasons and course". 

Depending on the diagnosis, the dentist may improve the filling or prescribe medication.

If the cause of the pain is tissue irritation then it is best to take over-the-counter painkillers or use home remedies.

The photo shows two glass vessels filled with herbal tincture or oil, with chamomile flowers floating in them. Next to them lie several sprigs of chamomile with yellow flowers and greens. The image has a bright, springtime feel and alludes to herbalism or natural care.

Home remedies for toothache after root canal treatment

The simplest but effective method is a cold compress. All you need is a towel and cold water or ice cubes, which should be applied to the area of pain. As a reminder, the aforementioned cubes should be wrapped in a cloth - never apply ice directly to the skin.

Rinses can also help with pain after root canal treatment from sage or chamomile. You can read more about this in our article "Home remedies for toothache".

Finally - we remind you that prevention is always better than cure. Regular visits to the dentist can save you from lengthy and costly treatment. Therefore, if your last visit was more than 6 months ago, make an appointment at our office as soon as possible.