Last week, I had a repeat root canal on a lower molar. My dentist thought she might have missed a canal, so she referred me to an endodontist. The endodontist repeated treatment but did not find a missing canal or an untreated canal. He said that my dentist did a great job. The endodontist told me that I would have some discomfort, but the tooth still hurts. This tooth has been problematic for most of 2021, and I hate to think that the root canal was not the solution after all. How long will it continue to hurt? Also, the endodontist reminded me to follow up with my dentist for a crown, but I cannot afford a crown right now. Is it necessary? Thank you. Dom from GA
Dom,
You can assess the success of root canal treatment by the way your tooth feels over time. If pain or swelling is not increasing, your tooth should begin feeling relief in a few days.
How Long Is Root Canal Recovery?
After root canal treatment, as local anesthesia wears off, you will feel soreness and tenderness in your tooth and jaw for a few days. The American Association of Endodontists confirms that you should contact your dentists or specialist if severe pain or pressure lasts for more than a few days.
What Can You Do While Your Root Can Tooth Heals?
While your root canal tooth heals, you can increase your comfort in these ways:
- Take over-the-counter pain reliever or medication as your dentist or endodontist prescribed
- Avoid chewing on or biting down with the root canal tooth
- Avoid sticky, chewy, crunchy, sugary, and acidic food
- Gently brush your teeth and floss around them
- Keep your follow-up appointment
Contact your dentist or endodontist if your discomfort continues or increases or if you feel that your bite (the way your upper and lower teeth meet) is off.
Do You Need a Crown After Root Canal Treatment?
A crown on a molar tooth will protect it after root canal treatment. Molars grind food, and the crown can absorb the stress on a tooth that is already weak. If you cannot afford a crown, speak with your dentist about payment plans or financing.
Ryan Perry, DDS, a Baton Rouge dentist, sponsors this post.