Root canal treatment is arguably the most common dental procedures to save a tooth that is either damaged or infected. While many patients, nevertheless, worry about the possibility of pain or trouble after the treatment, even though it is usually safe and effective. Knowing the side effects of a root canal can provide you with comfort and help you be mentally prepared for the times when the operation is carried out.
This piece of writing explains what a root canal is, why it is done, common and rare side effects, possible complications, and the recovery process.
What Is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is essentially the removal of the infected part of the tooth, which, in this case, is the pulp. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels, and if bacteria are given a free pass to a deep decay, a crack, or a broken tooth, they can cause a pain that is simply not bearable, and also, swelling of the area will occur.
So the dentist removes the pulp that is infected, he cleans and sanitises the canals in the tooth, and then seals them to stop infection at any new place. The tooth will definitely be made new and it will be able to function as before.
Why Is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Root canal therapy is the method which is advisable to use to save the rest of the tooth and to stop the spread of the infection. In case the infection is still there without treatment, it will get more severe, resulting in abscess formation, bone destruction, and finally, tooth loss. The natural tooth is still the best choice compared to extraction because it helps the efficient chewing function and the health of the jaw.
Common Root Canal Treatment Side Effects
Most patients can experience a few mild root canal treatment side effects shortly after their root canal. These side effects are completely normal and show that the body is healing.
Pain or Soreness After Treatment
It is quite usual to feel some tenderness or slight pain around the tooth that has been treated for a couple of days. This happens because the tissues surrounding the tooth have been irritated during the operation. The pain is normally very easy to control by means of simple painkillers, and the pain gets better every day.
Tooth Sensitivity
The tooth may be sensitive to biting or chewing in some people, especially during the first few days. Such sensitivity in most cases stops when the inflammation around the tooth is getting lower.
Mild Swelling in Gums
A small swelling in the area may have accompanied the treatment. It is a swelling caused by the body’s repair system, and it usually goes away by itself within a short period of time.
Less Common Root Canal Treatment Side Effects
Most people are able to recover with no issues at all, however, there are some side effects of root canal treatment that may be less typical and need the intervention of a dentist.
Persistent Pain
Should the pain be there for more than a few days or even become more intense, it can indicate infection or inflammation that is still present. This is a condition that requires a visit to the dentist.
Infection After Treatment
Only when bacteria are left inside the tooth, or a seal is damaged, allowing bacteria to come in, then an infection may develop. Besides the swelling, continuous pain, and bad taste in the mouth are the signs of this situation.
Tooth Weakness or Brittleness
When the pulp is removed, the tooth is no longer a living one and thus, it can become weaker gradually. So, dentists normally recommend that a crown be put on the tooth to protect it from cracking or breaking.
Tooth Discoloration
The tooth that has been through root canal intervention may be a little bit darker after a certain period. The discolouration is only an issue visually and can be changed through dental restorations if the patient desires.
Possible Complications of Root Canal Treatment
While it is very unlikely, a few complications may be on the cards either during a root canal operation or afterwards.
Missed Root Canals
The roots of certain teeth might be excessively complex. If a canal is not located and cleaned, infection can still be alive in the tooth, which will cause pain later.
Instrument Breakage
The instruments with which the dentist performs the cleaning are very minute and in a very few cases, one of them may be broken inside the canal. A professional dentist is generally able to deal with this without jeopardising the result.
Cracks in the Tooth
There may be some very small cracks that are already there, or that later will be through which bacteria will enter, causing reinfection.
Abscess Formation
If the infection goes beyond the root of the tooth, an abscess can be the result. This may cause swelling, pain, and sometimes fever, thus, dental care at the nearest clinic is highly recommended.
How to Reduce Root Canal Treatment Side Effects
Proper aftercare is an essential part of the healing process, and it can significantly reduce the side effects that accompany a root canal treatment.
- Respect and follow all instructions that your dentist gives you
- If you do not like the drugs, put up with them until you finish the course, and take them exactly as they have been advised.
- Do not chew the treated tooth until you can do it safely, after it has been fully restored.
- Keep good oral hygiene, but do not brush your teeth too vigorously.
- Be present at the doctor’s appointment to check on the progress of the healing process.
By doing them, you give double support to the tooth that has been subjected to treatment: it stays healthy and free from problems that could arise later.
About Red House Dental
At Red House Dental, we aim to deliver a completely comfortable and understanding dental care experience to our patients through modern techniques and by using the latest equipment. The clinic has a team of proficient dental specialists who are not only caring for the patients with top-quality care but also making an effort to listen and understand the needs and concerns of each patient individually.
If it is a routine dental check-up or an intricate procedure like root canal therapy, our team is always with you, offering their gentle service, providing you with clear communication, and helping you maintain good oral hygiene for the future.
Conclusion
Knowing the side effects of a root canal treatment makes patients be less anxious with the procedure, as they are more informed. The biggest part of the side effects is that they are light, temporary, and go with the body’s natural healing process. Serious problems, on the other hand, are very few, especially when the treatment is done by professional dentists and the aftercare is carried out properly.
Root canal treatment is still a dependable and efficient method to get rid of the pain, remove the infection, and keep the natural teeth. In case you have some strange symptoms or discomfort that lasts for a long time after the treatment, seeing your dentist without delay will help you to have the best result.
