Does Your Tooth Still Hurt After a Root Canal?

If you’re still experiencing pain after a root canal, you may be wondering why. Aren’t root canals meant to take your pain away? There are many reasons why your tooth may still be hurting. It is possible that the base of your tooth root (periapical) is still slightly tender or that your pain is caused by a temporary filling that is a bit too high. In these cases, taking OTC painkillers, preferably ibuprofen, may be all you need to alleviate your pain while your root canal heals.

However, if you’ve had a root canal at our practice in New York, NY and are still experiencing pain that is severe or persistent, you should call our office immediately. The dentist may need to prescribe you an antibiotic to make sure the infection does not remain, or he may need to perform retreatment.

At your follow-up appointment, Dr. Lloyd Becker will want to know what type of pain you are experiencing. Is your tooth sensitive to hot and cold? Is it the tooth root that is sensitive or the gums that are over the tooth? Is it a constant ache, or does it only hurt when biting? Is there any swelling, drainage or pus? The answers to these questions will give Dr. Becker the information he needs to diagnose your pain.

Root canals don’t always work, and there are many reasons for this, including fractures of the root, convoluted or twisted root structures and failure to protect the root canal after the procedure. If this occurs, you may need further treatment. If the root canal was successful, it should feel normal most of the time.

To schedule an appointment at Maiden Lane Dental, call 212-509-4585. For more information, visit www.maidenlanedental.com.

Financial District Endodontist

The dental specialty of Endodontics deals with the tissue surrounding the root of the tooth as well as the tooth pulp and requires two to three additional years of training beyond dental school.  The most common Endodontic procedure is a root canal.  The purpose of a root canal is to save a tooth that is badly decayed, broken or infected.  During the procedure, the Endodontist will clean the center chamber, or the root canal of the tooth that contains the infected roots and pulp.  In order for the tooth not to form a painful abscess, all of the decaying tissue must be removed, which will not affect the primary function of the tooth. However, the ability to sense hot and cold with the tooth after a root canal procedure will not be possible.  The tooth is then cleaned and sealed to prevent further infection. 

In recent years the occurrence of tooth decay has significantly diminished due to the availability of fluoride as well as patient awareness.  Even with the better oral hygiene of the last thirty years, teeth are still susceptible to infection and breakage.  Dr. Lloyd Becker at Maiden Lane Dental provides excellent Endodontic services in the Financial District.