Cavities, cracks in the enamel, lesions, diseases, etc. These are all factors that can cause damage to a tooth or even its loss. Indeed, when the nerve of the tooth has been reached, inflammation and pain occur. In this case, a root canal treatment may be an alternative to extraction. With such an intervention, the tooth can survive, but pain after a root canal treatment can sometimes subsist for a while. Is this normal?
Root Canal Treatment or Devitalization
A root canal treatment is a procedure that may require, in some cases, several appointments. It all depends on the damage that the pulp has suffered or the morphology of the canal/canals. The dentist will first start with local anaesthetic where the problematic tooth is located. He will then place a protective “rubber” called “dike” all around the affected tooth. The purpose of this is to protect the tooth against bacteria in the saliva. The dentist will then dig the isolated tooth to access the canal and remove the pulp (nerve).
Then comes the step of cleaning and widening the canal. Finally, the dentist will fill the canal and seal the tooth with the proper dedicated products meant for this purpose.
The Tooth Becomes Sensitive After The Procedure
During the devitalization procedure, the dentist will attempt to remove the inflamed nerves. It is an irreversible procedure because once removed, the nerve cannot rebuild itself. In general, it will remove the pain around the tooth, but it is possible that it remains sensitive for a few days. To ease this discomfort, the dentist can prescribe anti-inflammatories. Among many others, ibuprofen is one commonly used. If the pain persists beyond a few days, it is better to consult your dentist to avoid certain complications.
The Pain Persists For a Few Weeks
It is possible that your tooth remain sensitive for one or two weeks following a root canal treatment. In rare cases, you may feel inflammation or pain after a root canal treatment that will gradually fade over time. However, it is not normal for it to last several months. If this is the case, you will need to make an appointment with your dentist. Among other things, the tooth may have broken after the procedure, some parts of the canals may not have been completely cleaned during the procedure, etc. Your dentist may even refer you to an endodontics specialist so that the latter can make a more thorough diagnosis of the treated tooth.
When All Devitalization Attempts Fail
After a few years, the devitalized tooth may become infected again and you will then be able to feel pain even with a root canal treatment. In such a situation, it is sometimes possible to proceed to a new root canal treatment. But often, if the tooth is fractured, if its root has a deep cavity, or if it resulted in too much bone loss, there is no other alternative but to extract it.
A root canal treatment or devitalization is a procedure consisting of cleaning and disinfecting the inside of a tooth in order to save it from extraction. The result can last for years, and sometimes even a lifetime provided that the patient respects the advice of his dentist, that his health condition is optimal and that he maintains good oral hygiene.