After a root canal, it is common to experience pain and swelling for a couple of days, but in a vast majority of cases, it will resolve on its own. You'll completely forget about the procedure and your tooth will feel like new again.
However, in some rare situations, weeks or even months pass and dental patients continue to feel pain.
If this sounds like you, it is important that you visit your dentist to find out exactly what is going on.
There are a couple of reasons that your tooth might hurt after a root canal. While root canal failure is quite rare, the complicated canal system inside of the tooth can cause a problem, and there is a chance that infection may be missed. This can cause the infection to continue to exist and spread, causing pain in the tooth. Just like any treatment, root canals don't come with a guarantee, although they tend to be extremely reliable ways to treat the tooth.
If your dentist has determined that the infection is still present in your tooth, he will likely want to perform a repeat root canal. If this doesn't correct the problem, you may begin to discuss removing the tooth. Typically a dentist will only recommend this option if he believes that the tooth is going to continue to give you problems and poses a long-term risk to your health.
Ultimately, it is up to you and your dentist if extraction of the tooth is in your best interest. If you do need to have your tooth taken out because of the severity of the problem, there are several options that can help to replace the tooth, such as a bridge or a dental implant. This will restore the appearance and function of your smile.
Please contact us if you have any questions about your teeth after a root canal.
