Tooth With Root Canal Hurts with Pressure
Do you have pain in the tooth after root canal when biting? It’s as if the treatment did nothing, and the pain returns. If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering, why do I have pain on my tooth with a root canal when I bite down or chew down? It’s frustrating, right? I have been there, too, and I fully understand how troubling it can be. Let’s dig into why this occurs and how you can cope with it.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
But first, let’s clarify what a root canal treatment (RCT) actually entails. A root canal is a procedure to remove infection at the center of a tooth (the pulp). In the course of treatment, the dentist will take away infected or damaged pulp, clean and disinfect the root canal, and finally fill it with a substance called gutta-percha. At this point, the tooth is usually rebuilt with either a filling or a crown.
But even after this seemingly thorough process, some people still feel pain when pressure is applied. I’ve had a few friends who went through this particular experience, so I’ll share my thoughts on the issue based on what had been shared with me by others.
Why Does My Tooth Hurt After a Root Canal?
Now for the million-dollar question: why does a teeth with a root canal hurt with stress? Well, a few different things might be going on. In my experience, the most common reasons for sensitivity to pressure are:
– **Inflammation Of The Tissues**: After a root canal, it is customary for the regions around the tooth to end up being irritated. After mine, I remember feeling uncomfortable for several days. That inflammation can leave the tooth sensitive to pressure, even if the infection has been dealt with.
– **Leftover GPS Bacteria**: The root canal didn’t fully kill the infection. This can happen if the bacteria were lurking deep in the root canals or there were multiple canals that were difficult to clean out. If the bacteria linger, they can make the tooth painful when pressure is applied to it.
– **Cracked Tooth**: The tooth could have formed a crack that was previously undetected or that your dentist didn’t treat while performing this procedure. Cracks can render the tooth more sensitive to pressure, and believe you me, I’ve seen friends suffer this fate post-root canal.
– **High Filling or Crown**: Fillings or crowns are usually placed after the root canal. If the filling or crown is high, it can cause soreness when you bite down. I had a similar one myself where the crown wasn’t quite right and it required some manipulating to at least be partially right.
– **Nerve Tissue Takes Time**: Occasionally, the infection may be removed, but the nerve tissue surrounding the root still takes some time to heal. For a few weeks after the procedure, this can cause sensitivity or discomfort. It’s something I’ve come to expect, and typically it resolves itself.
What to Do When Your Tooth Hurts After a Root Canal?
If you’re suffering from sore teeth after a root canal, the following are my personal recommendations on what you can attempt to ease the pain:
– **Cold Compress**: Cold compresses have worked wonders in reducing inflammation and numbing the pain to some extent (even temporary). You can also rub it into the outer cheek near the area affected. This may help calm the tooth and decrease swelling.
– **Over-the-Counter Pain Medications**: I’ve used over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen). They can also be effective in reducing the pain and the inflammation. Just be sure to stick at the recommended dose and not overdo it.”
– **Soft Foods Only**: I recommended that my patients only eat soft foods for the first several days after the root canal. That prevents pressure on the tooth while it is healing. Think soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt — anything that doesn’t take much chewing.
– **Saltwater Rinse**: It can be prepared by mixing one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water that is ideal for a sore throat. I’ve used this approach when I’ve had discomfort around a root canal and found it comforting.
When Should You Be Concerned About Tooth Pain After a Root Canal?
They’re painful, yes, but some discomfort is normal, and there are some occasions when you should absolutely call your dentist. Here’s what I’ve learned in the decades since, and from others who have dealt with root-canal problems:
– **Ongoing Pain Beyond a Few Days**: If pain sticks around longer than a few days, or if it appears to worsen over time, that could mean something’s off, like an infection that didn’t completely clear or an issue in the healing process.
– **Pain on Chewing or Biting Down**: If you can’t bite down (with general chewing) without a lot of pain, that’s a red flag. If you have a high filling or crown that needs to be adjusted, then this can happen too!
– **Swelling or Discoloration**: Swelling around the treated tooth, or swelling that feels tender to the touch, could mean you have an infection or a condition with the tooth that needs immediate attention.
– **Fever or Pus**: If you come down with a fever or see pus oozing from the tooth that was treated, you should rush back to the dentist. This is a definite indication of infection.
Can You Fix a Tooth That Hurts After a Root Canal?
In some cases, post-root canal discomfort can be relieved with basic measures, but sometimes dental treatment is necessary. Here’s what you can expect:
– **Root Canal Retreatment**: If an infection is still present, or if the initial root canal didn’t thoroughly clean the tooth, the dentist may suggest retreatment. I’ve heard from many people who required a second root canal because of lingering pain, but after the retreatment, they were pain-free.
– **Apicoectomy**: In some cases, the dentist may recommend an apicoectomy procedure. This entails cutting off the tip of the tooth’s root so that all the infection is gone. I’ve never needed one, but I know people who have had great success with the procedure.
– **Extraction**: In cases where the tooth is too damaged or infected, the dentist may recommend removal. This is an absolute last resort, but I’ve had a few family members who had to take this route.
How to Prevent Tooth Pain After a Root Canal
As the old saying goes, it is always better to prevent than cure. As a result of my experiences and what I’ve learned along the way, here are some tips that I think may help to avoid feeling discomfort after a root canal:
– **Adhere to Post-Op Instructions**: Always adhere to the dentist’s postoperative care recommendations closely. That means abstaining from hard foods for some time and maintaining cleanliness over the area as well.
– **Routine Check-ups**: Routine check-ups are very important, even after root canal. Doing so will help catch any problems early on and make sure the tooth is healing as it should.
– **Good oral hygiene**: This one I cannot stress enough — taking care of your teeth can prevent future issues. That means brushing and flossing (even flossing exposed roots), as well as avoiding bad habits, such as clenching and grinding your teeth that can place undue pressure on your treated tooth.
– **Select an Expert Dentist**: Selecting an expert and seasoned dentist for your root canal method may mean everything. In my own experiences, I’ve found that choosing the right dental professional means smoother recovery and fewer problems.
Takeaway: Tooth With Root Canal Hurts with Pressure
So, tooth with root canal hurts with pressure — is a prevalent problem experienced by several people. It’s usually because of inflammation, residual bacteria or too-high a filling. If the hurt lingers on or gets worse, you should see your dentist for an accurate diagnosis. In my experience, a root canal is usually a transformative, life-changing treatment, but a little discomfort is normal. Don’t worry — it doesn’t mean that the root canal was unsuccessful. It’s part of the healing process, that’s all it is.” Remember that your dentist is the most qualified person to help you work through this.