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What is a root canal and pain after this

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Endodontics is a technique used to treat dental diseases that consists of extracting, either partially or totally, the pulp of the tooth to later seal it and prevent bacteria from proliferating and attacking its structure. Most of these medical actions are due to a cavity that has been growing, however, there are other affectations in the tooth that may require a root canal.

When someone has to undergo such an intervention, one of the first things that comes to mind is whether it will hurt. In the following article we will explain everything you need to know about endodontics, we will tell you if the endodontics hurts and we will explain what you should do if after a while you continue to have discomfort.

What is a root canal

Endodontics, which is also known as root canal treatment, is a procedure carried out by odonotologists that serves to remove – either partially or totally – the pupil of the tooth and then seal the pulp canal . The dental pupa is the inner part of the tooth, where there is a soft tissue that houses the blood vessels and nerves. On the other hand, in the root area is the reticular canal, responsible for connecting the tooth with the maxillary bone.

Endodontics is performed when an infection or any other condition has caused inflammation and necrosis of the dental pulp. Although generally this is due to a cavity that has been growing affecting the core of the tooth, there are other causes that may require a root canal :

  • Trauma and blows to the tooth.
  • Teeth worn and eroded by contact between them.
  • The materials and shape used for a restorative treatment.

As we have already mentioned, the vast majority of root canals are due to poorly treated or neglected cavities that have eaten the tooth until it reaches the pulp. Among the most common symptoms that alert us that a root canal should be performed, we find:

  • Sensitivity and pain in the face of cold and heat.
  • Spontaneous pain without the need for any stimulus and pain especially at night.
  • Discolored or darkening teeth.

How is a root canal performed?

Although it is a very common and normal treatment in dental clinics, endodontics is a procedure that requires skill and experience on the part of the dentist. In general, the success rate of this procedure is 90% and the steps that are followed in performing a root canal are as follows:

  1. First, the area of ​​the mouth near the tooth to be performed is anesthetized to avoid pain during the procedure and in the hours afterwards.
  2. Once anesthetized, a hole is made in the dental crown through which the pulp is extracted.
  3. Once the pulp has been extracted, the pulp canal must be cleaned.
  4. The dentist must make sure that he has cleaned all the canals well, in order to later fill them and seal them with the appropriate materials.
  5. Once the intervention is finished, if it has been done correctly, the tooth will be numb and sealed.

Does root canal hurt?

Before undergoing the intervention, it is very common for patients to wonder if it will hurt. Visits to the dentist do not have a very good reputation and the fact that they believe that the treatments are painful causes many people to postpone the visit to the dentist, which causes their dental condition to worsen. If your question is whether endodontics hurts, you should know that everything is done under local anesthesia , that is, you will not notice anything at all. The only physical drawback is that the intervention can be lengthened, and while you will be with your mouth open, so in the end you can get tired and notice the muscles of the jaw fatigued.

In the days following the endodontics, when the effect of the anesthesia has already worn off, it is common for the person to notice discomfort or some pain in the endodontic tooth. In these cases, the pain can be controlled through anti-inflammatories until the discomfort subsides.

Pain after a root canal

However, there are people who complain that a root canal hurts after it is finished or that a root canal hurts after a year. Obviously, this is not normal and is a clear sign that the root canal is poorly done. As we have said before, 90% of these interventions end with a positive result, but this means that 10% of root canals can go wrong. If it hurts a lot or it continues to hurt even though you have had a root canal for some time, it may be due to the following reasons :

  • During the intervention they did not clean the inside of the tooth correctly, either due to poor performance or as a result of some anomaly in your anatomy -the case of very curved roots or accessory canals-.
  • Badly condensed sealing material that allows the passage of bacteria.
  • Stuffing too short or too long.
  • Missing a vertical fracture, a difficult condition to diagnose early on.

Badly done root canal: solution

To prevent it from continuing to hurt, if what is causing it is one of the first three points, you should undergo a re- endodontia . All the material with which the ducts had been filled will be removed, the cavity will be thoroughly cleaned and, finally, it will be properly sealed again.

In the event of a vertical tooth fracture, this is a problem that has no partial solution. The only thing that can be done is to remove that piece and replace it with a dental implant. As you can see, it is vitally important to put yourself in the hands of a specialist, an experienced professional to avoid any complications.

This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Does root canal hurt? , we recommend that you enter our category of Teeth and mouth .

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