Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures that it is designed to keep in the oral cavity a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. Many people get really scared when they come across the words “root canal,” mainly because they imagine a lot of pain and other complications. Knowing about the side effects of root canal treatment may help to discard the fear and allow the patient to make an informed decision about their dental health.
Understanding of the procedure, necessity of the treatment, usual/unusual side effects, chances of complications and ways of recovery after the operation are covered by this blog.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
When the infection or inflammation goes to the pulp, the inner soft part of a tooth, root canal therapy is the way the problem is solved. Pulp is the part of the tooth that is most sensitive, and it is made up of nerves and blood vessels; hence, bacteria, as a result of cavities, fractures, or injuries, can cause a terribly painful situation, which is also accompanied by swelling.
At the same time, the doctor removes the infected tissue, disinfects the canals inside the tooth, and finally seals them, thus leaving no space for bacteria and restoring the normal functioning of the tooth. Most of the time, the tooth will then be covered with a filling or a crown.
Why Is Root Canal Treatment Required?
Root canal treatment is the last step before the removal of the natural tooth. The aim is first to stop the spread of the infection and save the natural tooth. If this condition is ignored, infections may result in a very painful abscess formation, swelling of the face or jaw, and tooth loss may be the final outcome.
Besides that, saving the natural tooth is beneficial for correct mastication, it prevents the neighbouring teeth from leaving their places and gives support to the overall oral health. Therefore, root canal treatment is most likely the right way to take to steer away from tooth extraction.
Common Root Canal Treatment Side Effects
Most of the time, patients only have to endure mild side symptoms after a root canal. Such side symptoms are mostly short-lived and belong to the patient’s natural healing process.
Pain or Discomfort
Light pain or discomfort may be felt in the area of the treated tooth for a couple of days after the operation. It results from the fact that the tissues around may be inflamed. The pain is usually less from day to day and, thus, it can be temporarily relieved by a painkiller.
Swelling of Gums
Some patients may pinpoint slight swelling of the gums around the tooth that has been treated. Normally, it is temporary, and the swelling goes away within a short time.
Tenderness in the Jaw
A clenched or tender jaw, which is caused by the treatment holding the mouth open, is of a temporary nature. Usually, the problem disappears without any intervention after 24-48 hours.
Less Common Root Canal Treatment Side Effects
In rare instances, some patients may experience less common root canal treatment side effects that require more attention.
Ongoing Pain
When the pain lasts beyond a few days or gets worse instead of better, it may indicate that there is still infection or inflammation. Thus, a dental checkup is mandatory in such situations.
Infection After Treatment
Only if bacteria have been trapped inside the tooth after the procedure or if the seal has become loose will they be able to enter and cause infection. The signs may be swelling, continuous pain, or an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Change in Tooth Colour
The discolouration of a tooth after root canal treatment may occur gradually and be slight. The function is not affected, but the appearance may be.
Unusual Sensations
In very few cases, patients may experience tingling or numbness in the vicinity of the treated area. The condition is temporary most of the time and gets better as the healing process of the tissues progresses.
Possible Complications of Root Canal Treatment
Although root canal treatment is highly successful, there are a few rare instances where complications may arise.
Missed Root Canals
Some teeth may have complex roots with additional canals. In case a canal is left uncleaned due to being missed, infection can stay and cause pain later.
Instrument Issues
In general, the instrument used for the procedure is small. Sometimes a part of the instrument may be left inside the canal due to its rupture. However, dentists with high skills are able to handle such situations and usually do not cause any damage.
Cracks in the Tooth
Microscopic cracks may exist beside the treatment or may develop later. These cracks can let bacteria back into the tooth and cause it to be infected again.
Abscess Formation
When the infection goes beyond the tooth root, an abscess can develop. It is characterised by swelling, pain, and a feeling of pressure and, therefore, needs dental care without delay.
How to Manage Recovery and Reduce Side Effects
Proper aftercare is essential in minimizing discomfort and other effects of root canal treatment and also in making the healing process go smoothly.
Patients are advised to:
- Refrain from chewing on the side where the treatment was done until the tooth is completely restored
- Keep up with good oral hygiene, but do not brush too vigorously
- Use medications only as instructed by the dentist
- Make appointments with the dentist to monitor the healing process
By doing so, the treated tooth gets the necessary protection, and the possibility of side effects decreases significantly.
About Red House Dental
Red House Dental wants to deliver the best quality dental care to its patients in a comfortable environment that is like that of the patient’s own home. A team of dental professionals is available at the clinic, who are gentle in their approach, clear in their communication, and energetic in oral health promotion.
Consequently, the staff, from the initial examinations to the dental pulp therapy, assures that patients are at ease and have the knowledge of every step of their visit. The leading instruments, the personalised treatment plans, and the clinic’s commitment to excellence are the principal reasons that make the clinic a trustworthy and efficient provider of dental solutions for patients.
Conclusion
Knowing the side effects of root canal treatment can really be a patient’s best medicine while undergoing that treatment without fear and with trust. Nearly all side effects, such as a mild pain or sensitivity, are only temporary and will disappear on their own within a few days. Serious issues are very infrequent, mostly when the treatment is carried out by a professional, and the aftercare instructions are followed.
However, root canal treatment is still the most effective way to relieve dental pain, eliminate infection, and save the natural tooth. Therefore, keeping track of the symptoms after the treatment and seeking a dentist’s advice without delay if there is a need is the most trustworthy manner to ensure oral health in the long run.
