The entire purpose of a root canal treatment is to fix your tooth and save it from bouts of unbearable pain. But what happens when instead of relief, you experience more pain?
Although it isn’t common, some people complain that their tooth with a root canal hurts with pressure after the procedure. This can be months or even years after the treatment. However, the ache resonates from deep within, throbbing all the time. Keep reading this blog to understand the reason behind the discomfort.
What Happens During A Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal therapy is an intrusive dental procedure that involves the dentist drilling inside your tooth and scooping out the bacteria-infected pulp from its core. Usually, this pulp contains a mixture of blood vessels and nerves that were badly affected by the bacteria.
With a root canal, however, the bacteria is carefully removed, and your tooth is saved. So, even if the middle of the tooth is pulled out, the shape of your tooth still remains. Moreover, the tooth is covered with a dental crown on top to ensure it stays sealed and free of bacteria.
Why Does My Tooth With Root Canal Hurt With Pressure?
There are multiple reasons why your tooth might hurt after a root canal. Sometimes it is due to referred pain; other times, it’s merely your mouth getting used to the new change. However, there are moments when after the tooth has healed from the root canal, it starts to hurt again. That, too, with pressure. To find out what causes that, take a look below.
- It Hasn’t Healed Completely
One of the biggest reasons a root canal-treated tooth hurts is because it hasn’t healed. If that is the case, give it some time to settle in. It typically takes a week or two for the affected tooth to heal. - The Tooth Experienced Some Sort of Trauma
If your tooth hurts when pressure is applied to it or when something even remotely grazes it, it could be because of oral trauma. Whether you ate something that unsettled the crown or got hit in the face, the pain could stem from that. - The Tooth is Fractured
A fractured or broken crown can be very painful to deal with. It can also give way to bacteria taking root around the edges of the crown, sneaking into the middle of the previously-treated tooth. - The Crown Wasn’t Properly Attached
Sometimes, the pain can develop due to a poorly fitted crown. That is to say, if the crown was not rooted in place properly, with the right bonding agents, it could shift over time, leading to instability and discomfort. - There is a Bacterial Infection Developing
As effective as a root canal is, it sadly does not guarantee that your teeth will remain free of cavities or decay. The more you neglect your oral hygiene, the higher the chances of an infection.
Tips to Soothe Post-Root Canal Pain
Try following the tips mentioned below to ease some of the post-root canal pain.
- Use two pillows so your head is elevated when sleeping.
- Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution several times throughout the day.
- Stick to soft and bland foods, avoiding solid foods for at least a week after the treatment.
- Apply a cold compress over the affected area to prevent swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief medication.
Final Words
If your tooth with a root canal hurts after the procedure, especially when pressure is applied to it, you may need to visit your dentist. For more information, contact Signature Smiles at either of the following locations:
- Irving Location: 3654 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75062, United States
Contact Number: (214) 307-4715 - Plano Location: 5072 W Plano Pkwy Suite 270, Plano, TX 75093, United States
Contact Number: (214) 307-4755 - DeSoto Location: 726 N Hampton Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115, United States
Contact Number: (469) 643-4155