Root Cause of Root Canal Pain: What’s Really Behind the Discomfort?

If you’re experiencing persistent tooth pain, a dentist or endodontist may determine that you have an infected root canal. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding connective tissues and may require a surgical procedure.

Many people mistakenly associate root canal procedures with pain and fear. While these concerns may have been valid in the past, modern technology and anesthetics have transformed the root canal procedure, making it comfortable and nearly pain-free. Understanding more about these treatments can alleviate any feelings of anxiety or any misconceptions that you may have.

What causes root canal pain?

Contrary to popular belief, the pain often associated with root canal procedures usually comes from the tooth infection, not the procedure itself. The dental pulp is a soft area inside the tooth filled with connective tissue, blood vessels, and nerve endings.

Poor oral hygiene practices can result in tooth decay. Physical trauma can cause a fractured tooth. Either of these can lead to inflammation. If persistent inflammation is ignored, it can progress to deep decay that affects the tooth root and pulp which cannot be resolved by dental fillings alone. This can lead to symptoms like mild pain or severe toothache.

Your dentist will conduct a thorough examination, possibly including a dental X-ray, to diagnose the issue. Root canal treatment may be necessary as part of the treatment plan to remove the diseased pulp and restore your natural tooth, both for function and appearance. 

Why do I need a root canal treatment?

The goal of root canal therapy (also known as endodontic treatment) is to remove the infected tissues and preserve your natural tooth. Delaying treatment reduces your chances of saving the tooth and increases the risks of spreading infection. Typically, a root canal procedure consists of the following steps.

• After identifying the root canal infection as the underlying issue, your root canal specialist gives you local anaesthesia to ensure a painless experience.
• This is then followed by the removal of infected pulp and meticulous cleaning of the root canal space.
• The next step is filling the canal with biocompatible material, often a rubber-like material to seal the root canals.
• A temporary filling or medicament is then placed to encourage the healing process.
• A permanent crown or a permanent filling is usually recommended to restore strength and function especially for the back teeth (or molar teeth) on which a lot of chewing forces are exerted.
  
  

Both general dentists and specialists (endodontists) can perform this procedure, and is typically completed in two or more appointments. The benefits of root canal or endodontic therapy primarily includes the removal of infected tissue and preservation of your natural tooth structure so that you can smile and chew confidently.

The common alternative is extraction or removal of tooth which may seem like a quick fix in the short-term but soon you will need to consider tooth replacement options like dental bridges or dental implants to maintain aesthetics, function and prevent other adverse effects like changes in bite due to drifting of adjacent teeth, chewing issue, jaw pain and changes to your face shape.

Related articles

• What is root canal treatment?
• Why do you need a root canal treatment?

What is root canal pain before root canal treatment like?

Pain is the body's way of signalling to us that something is wrong. Symptoms of an inflamed or infected root canal can vary. There may be:

• Persistent pain
• Intermittent dull pain
• Severe pain with nighttime discomfort
• Referred pain (such as headaches and jaw pain)
• Pain triggered by hot or cold folds or temperature changes
  

Pain subsiding does not necessarily mean that the infection has subsided. Taking over the counter medication may provide temporary relief but without proper treatment to address the infection as early as possible, it spreads to the tissues nearby and causes more serious issues like abscesses or systemic infection.

Will there be root canal pain during root canal treatment?

Thanks to modern technology, root canal treatment today is comfortable unlike what its reputation suggests. It is a routine dental procedure with a reliable success rate and a strong track record of preserving teeth, avoiding tooth extraction, and protecting your long-term oral health. Also, thanks to local anaesthesia, patients usually experience minimal to no pain, comparable to getting a regular dental filling. To treat the problem, the dentist will numb the tooth, remove the infected tissue, and fill the space with a material called gutta percha to seal it. This helps preserve the treated tooth and prevent further issues.

At Dental Designs Clinic, our dentists use rotary instruments which helps in effective removal of infected tissue and is useful to save time particularly in complex cases and for molar teeth where there may be multiple root canals that may be positioned in a difficult-to-access angle. Our dentists also use dental loupes and Zeiss microscopes to be able to magnify their vision and properly visualise the small structures inside of a tooth canal. We also utilise digital technology for the entire workflow from imaging, scanning and fabrication, which makes the process comfortable and seamless.

What to expect after root canal treatment?

After a root canal, it’s normal to feel some soreness or tenderness for a few days. The tissues around the tooth may still be settling after the treatment and there may be mild discomfort especially when biting. Each day, you should notice an improvement. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be your allies. In most cases, the discomfort goes away within a few days without any need for further treatment and can be managed with pain medications, an ice pack, and enjoying soft or cold foods for a few days.

Maintaining good oral hygiene,  brushing and flossing daily, is essential to protect the tooth and surrounding areas. Pain-relieving options may be recommended during recovery to help manage discomfort. It is advisable to avoid crunchy foods, sticky foods, and sugary foods to prevent irritating the area.

It is important to follow-up a root canal procedure with a treatment plan for long-term care. This may include dental crowns to protect the tooth. Regular oral hygiene and proper care is vital to maintain results. With the right aftercare and routine dental care, most patients return to their daily routine quickly and comfortably. 

Why do I still have root canal pain after root canal treatment?

Pain after a root canal doesn’t always mean something went wrong but it’s important not to ignore it. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to call your dentist and get peace of mind.

Contact your dentist promptly if you have the following symptoms:

• Pain that lasts longer than 7–10 days
• Pain that gets worse instead of better
• Swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth
  
  

Your dental professional may take an X-ray and suggest a solution which could be just a simple adjustment, antibiotics, or further treatment. Complications like infection, cracks, or fractures might necessitate reevaluation or retreatment of the root canals. In rare instances of treatment failure, extraction followed by tooth replacement may be recommended. 

What if I don't want to continue with root canal treatment?

If you decide not to go ahead with a root canal treatment, it’s important to know that the problem won’t go away on its own. The tooth is likely infected or dying, and without treatment, that infection can spread to the surrounding bone, nearby teeth, or even other parts of your body. You might feel relief for a while, but the pain often comes back and sometimes in a worse way along with swelling, pus, or fever.

Over time, the infection can cause bone loss around the tooth, leading to it becoming loose or breaking down. Eventually, the tooth may need to be extracted and replaced with an implant or bridge. While antibiotics and painkillers may help temporarily, they don’t treat the root cause. If you’re avoiding treatment due to fear or cost, talk to your dentist as there may be options to make it easier for you.  Click here to read more about root canal infections.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing ongoing tooth discomfort, it’s important not to delay treatment until it worsens. Root canal therapy is designed to remove infection, preserve your natural tooth, and rejuvenate your smile with minimal impact on your daily activities. At Dental Designs Clinic, we are committed to providing endodontic treatments that are comfortable and effective so that you can go back to chewing and smiling with confidence.

If you looking to book a dental appointment with us, simply leave us a message here and we will be right with you!