Root canal therapy typically immediately provides significant relief compared to pre-procedure pain. However, you still need to allow several days for your tooth and the surrounding tissue to fully recover. In this article, we discuss symptoms you might experience during recovery and answer a common question from our clients: Is tooth sensitivity normal after a root canal?
Is Tooth Sensitivity Normal After a Root Canal?
Tooth sensitivity is normal after a root canal. You can expect to experience sensitivity to hot and cold beverages and to brushing your teeth for 7 to 14 days after the procedure. Tooth sensitivity after root canal therapy occurs because, before the procedure, the pulp tissue inside the tooth was inflamed or infected, and the tooth’s internal structures, the surrounding ligaments, and bone need time to recover.
Apart from moderate tooth sensitivity, you might expect the following symptoms:
- Mild swelling for a couple of days
- Mild soreness or tenderness of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth
- Mild jaw stiffness or soreness
The sensitivity and other symptoms after a root canal procedure are typically mild and should gradually subside. If sensitivity increases after a couple of days and causes severe pain, make a follow-up appointment with your doctor as soon as possible, as it may signify reinfection of the tooth. Other symptoms that signify a failed procedure of root canal can include:
- Sharp and sudden pain
- Pain when chewing food or biting down on the treated tooth
- Severe persistent pain
- Increased swelling
- Pus around the treated area
- Fever (typically when accompanied by other symptoms)
How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity After a Root Canal
To manage tooth sensitivity and other symptoms and ensure that your root canal recovery goes smoothly, we recommend following these rules:
Be Mindful of Your Diet
To help your tooth heal, avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed for several days after the procedure. Also, switch to a soft diet for 3 to 4 days to reduce jawbone strain.
Manage the temperature of your foods and drinks, avoiding very hot or very cold items to avoid unnecessarily irritating the tooth and the tissue around it.
Brush and Floss Correctly
Switch to a fluoride toothpaste for sensitive teeth and be gentle when brushing and flossing the treated tooth, making sure not to irritate the gum tissue around it. However, be thorough with your oral hygiene: brush your teeth twice a day for 2 full minutes and floss every evening.
Rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution after meals for several days after the procedure to reduce bacterial growth and minimize the risk of infection.
Manage Pain and Swelling
To manage pain, use over-the-counter painkillers, such as Ibuprofen (without exceeding the allowed daily dose). If you experience swelling, apply a cold compress to the outer side of your chick for 15 minutes several times a day.
Adhere to Your Doctor’s Recommendations
If your dentist prescribes oral antibiotics, topical gels, rinses, or other medications, you must follow the recommendations exactly. Such medications are typically prescribed to minimize the risk of reinfection and other complications.
Also, do not skip follow-up appointments with your dentist, as they can help spot issues you cannot see yourself and plan treatment accordingly.
Get Safe Root Canal Therapy at Maz Endodontics
If you need root canal therapy, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced endodontist at Maz Endodontics today. At our office, we use reliable diagnostic and treatment methods to ensure each client’s oral health. We are looking forward to your visit.