When it comes to having a root canal, there are many ways to relieve your pain. In this article, I'll go over how you can get some quick tips to manage your root canal pain, and also let you know what can be done to avoid them in the first place. Wanna know more? Keep reading!
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| Quick Tips To Manage Your Root Canal Pain |
- Section: Take over-the-counter pain medications
- Section: Ice the area
- Section: Take a break from chewing
- Section: Keep it clean and dry
- Section: Eat soft foods
- Takeaway: You don't have to suffer for long after your root canal.
Take over-the-counter pain medications
If you have a toothache and your dentist tells you that you need a root canal, it may be tempting to delay booking the procedure, since you know it will be uncomfortable. However, it's always best to get the treatment as soon as possible after your dentist recommends it. The longer you wait, the more discomfort you'll likely feel—and if the infection gets worse, it could lead to a bigger problem involving the jawbone or other teeth.
Sometimes a root canal is an emergency procedure, which means that you should contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of these symptoms:
- Severe pain that doesn't go away with over-the-counter pain medications
- A bump on your gums
- A swollen face
- An abscessed tooth
It's also possible for some people to experience no pain at all until their dentist points out the infected tooth for them.Just make sure that you get the dental treatment as soon as possible.
Ice the area
Like most people, you probably associate root canals with pain. However, in the hours and days immediately following your procedure, you may find yourself dealing with some discomfort. This is to be expected. Fortunately, there are ways you can manage your pain so that it doesn't interfere with your daily activities.
Ice the area. Like any injury to the body, swelling around the site of the pain is a common side effect of root canals. If a tooth has been removed or if one or more roots have been extracted, swelling may be more pronounced. To reduce inflammation, apply a cold compress to your face several times a day for 20 minutes at a time. An ice pack wrapped in a thin towel works well for this purpose, as does use crushed ice in a plastic bag placed inside a thin pillowcase or towel.
Use an over-the-counter pain reliever. If you have pain in addition to swelling and inflammation, reach for an over-the-counter medication like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Alternately, ask your dentist about prescription medications that can help address your discomfort.
Take a break from chewing
You may be feeling some pain after your root canal, but it's important not to let it slow you down too much. If your post-procedure pain is keeping you from eating, drinking, or getting a good night's sleep, there are a couple of things you can do to ease the discomfort:
1. Take a break from chewing for a few days. If you have pain when chewing or biting on your tooth, take a break from foods that require a lot of chewing until you feel better. Try soft foods that don't need much chewing, like pudding or yogurt. You should also avoid hot or spicy foods for about a day.
2. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever to ease the discomfort. Try ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin. It's best not to take any of these on an empty stomach—try taking them along with food. Check with your dentist before using any medications regularly so they won't interfere with other treatments or medications you're taking.
3. Try relaxing in the evening by pouring yourself a warm bubble bath and letting the warmth relax your muscles and relieve any soreness that may be making
Keep it clean and dry
After you have your root canal, it's important to keep the area clean and dry. This will reduce the chance of infection, help prevent pain, and make the recovery process much quicker. You'll want to be extra careful to follow these instructions if you've had local anesthesia as well. The numbness could cause you to forget that you're in a vulnerable situation, which could lead to damage or discomfort. Make sure you:
-Use a soft toothbrush for the first few days after your procedure.
-Brush gently and carefully around the treated area.
-Rinse with warm salt water after meals, but don't use mouthwash or hot liquids for 24 hours after treatment.
-Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the procedure was performed for at least 24 hours or longer until your dentist advises otherwise.
-Eat soft foods such as yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, etc. for at least 24 hours after treatment or until your dentist advises otherwise.
-Try not to touch or disturb the treated area with your tongue or fingers--this can further injure it and increase discomfort
Eat soft foods
Foods that are soft and don't require much chewing can be the most comfortable to eat when you have a sore tooth. While most of us love to enjoy a recipe for slow-cooked ribs or a nice steak, these foods could prove difficult to chew if you're dealing with tenderness in your mouth. Anything that's been baked, steamed, boiled, or stewed, like potatoes, pasta, rice, and fish can be both safe and easy to eat. You should also avoid foods that are spicy or acidic, like tomatoes, because they can irritate the gums and make your discomfort worse.
Takeaway: You don't have to suffer for long after your root canal.
While you will be sore for a couple of days, the next time you see your dentist for a checkup or cleaning, you should tell him or her that the root canal was successful. That's because there is no pain involved in a root canal procedure. In most cases, patients report that there is only minor discomfort after the procedure and it usually clears up quickly.
