Melbourne, Australia has become a hub for general dentistry and people often visit here for their complete dental care. Dentists in Surrey Hills, Box Hill, etc. are the most preferred ones especially for root canal treatment as it is quite affordable compared to the rest of Australia. In this article, we will talk about how you can avoid pain during a root canal treatment in Melbourne.
Root Canal Treatment is a common dental procedure used to treat infections in the pulp of a tooth. After a root canal treatment, it’s common to experience some discomfort, but the pain should gradually subside. But before that, let’s first understand what causes the pain and how long the pain typically lasts after the root canal surgery.
What Are The Causes of Post-Procedure For Root Canal Treatment?
There can be multiple reasons why you’re feeling discomfort and pain after your root canal surgery. Here are some of the most common causes:
1.Inflamed surrounding tissue
Even after removing the nerve root from your gums, small nerves in the ligaments and tissue around the tooth can cause discomfort. This is because the tissue and nerves connected to these underlying nerves have been severed. In some cases, it can also cause swelling and require you to visit your dentist.
2.Instrument Damage
During a root canal surgery, an inexperienced dentist or faulty instruments can also sometimes cause accidental damage to sensitive tissue. This can be a very minor damage that can cause discomfort and pain to you for several days.
3.High Temporary Filling
In some cases, uneven filling height can also cause discomfort and pain. This happens when a dentist places a temporary filling that is slightly higher than the surrounding teeth. This can cause your mouth to bite harder on that higher spot and make the tooth sore. This typically happens when the dentist doesn’t smoothen down the filling enough.
How Long Does Pain Last After Root Canal Treatment?
Immediately after your surgery, you won’t be feeling much of anything, let alone any pain. That is because of the anesthesia used by the dentist to eliminate any discomfort or pain during the treatment. However, once the anesthesia wears off, you can expect mild pain and sensitivity. This discomfort and pain can persist for under a week.
How Long Does It Take For Root Canal Treatment To Heal?
Typically, the dentist recommends you set aside the first 3 days after the surgery for recovery. Once the healing is completed, the pain and discomfort start to fade away gradually within the next few days.
How To Avoid Pain During Root Canal Treatment?
A professionally performed root canal treatment is normally painless even during and after the healing period. However, it is natural for some patients to feel discomfort and pain after the surgery. In these cases, there are many ways you can make your recovery free from pain and discomfort.
But first, let’s go through some actions that your dentist may take to relieve you from discomfort and pain during your surgery:
- Local Anesthesia
Before the root canal begins, your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area. This ensures you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.
- Dental Dam Placement
A small rubber sheet called a dental dam is placed over the tooth to protect and isolate it. This keeps the tooth clean and dry during the treatment.
- Access Opening
Using a specially designed drill, your dentist creates an opening in the top of the affected tooth. This exposes the pulp, which contains the damaged nerve and blood vessels.
- Pulp Removal
The dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp from the inside of the tooth and its roots. This step is crucial for eliminating infection and relieving pain.
- Cleaning and Shaping
The space left by the removed pulp is carefully cleaned and shaped using small dental files. This prepares the inner chamber for filling.
- Irrigation
The area is irrigated with solutions to wash away any remaining pulp debris and bacteria. The tooth is then thoroughly dried.
- Medication (if needed)
If there is a severe infection, an antimicrobial medication may be placed in the root canal to treat or prevent further infection. In some cases, the tooth may be left open to drain for a few days.
- Temporary Filling
A temporary filling is placed to seal the access opening. You’ll return for a second appointment to complete the restoration (usually with a permanent filling or crown).
Now let’s look at a few steps that you can take after your treatment to relieve yourself from the pain and discomfort that may arise from root canal surgery.
- Pain Medication: Take any prescribed pain relievers as directed by your dentist or any over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB).
- Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling.
- Saltwater Rinse: Mix ½ teaspoon of sea salt with warm water and swish it around your mouth to soothe discomfort.
- Elevate Your Head: Prop up your head with extra pillows while sleeping to minimize throbbing.
- Avoid hard foods: Refrain from chewing hard foods immediately after the procedure to prevent additional discomfort.
On a Final Note
While mild discomfort and pain are expected, if you’re experiencing persistent pain that is hindering your ability to focus on anything else, you should contact your dentist promptly. Depending on what you’re dealing with, they can either provide additional guidance and medication or ask you to visit the clinic at your earliest.
