Managing Jaw Pain After Root Canal Therapy (When To Treat The Pain)

Cracks on the tooth can be the starting point of a tooth infection. It may be hard to manage different dental illnesses that bacteria can create. However, dentistry may treat the root of the problem, commonly called root canal therapy. Furthermore, this website may help patients know what root canal therapy may do to relieve a toothache. On the other hand, recovery after an endodontic procedure may either be smooth sailing or a jagged path. Some patients complain about experiencing jaw pain after root canal procedures. Hence, you may want to know why this dental problem happens and how to prevent this dental concern. 

 

What To Expect From A Root Canal Therapy

If you are scheduled for a root canal or just want to explore your options in restorative dental treatments, you can expect root canal therapy to be noninvasive. This procedure is one of the excellent ways to remove pulp infection and stop it from coming back. A specialized dentist, mainly an endodontist, should be your best choice in receiving this procedure. The dentist first starts cleaning your canal by making small holes to access the pulp of your tooth. Next, the infected pulp tissue is extracted and cleaned by irrigation and decontamination. An endodontist should be careful in filling the empty pulp with the right materials or amalgam. Any inadequate techniques may result in jaw pain after the root canal. 

 

Causes Of Jaw Pain After Root Canal Treatment

Clenching your jaw after what should be a successful root canal treatment can be a warning sign that your doctor should check. The treated tooth can show symptoms of bleeding gums, cracked or loose fillings, and gum swelling. On the contrary, other patients may experience a failed root canal with phantom pain. A patient should understand the reasons for jaw pain after root canal procedure to report this pain to their previous endodontist. An X – ray can also detect the postoperative conditions of the person with a root canal operation failure. 

 

Jaw Muscle Fatigue

It is vital for a dental surgeon to be quick but accurate in providing root canal therapy. However, if anesthesia is not enough to decrease the aching of the jaw, side effects may occur. A mouth that is open for a more extended period of surgical operation can experience jaw muscle fatigue. A dangerous complication of having muscle tiredness and fatigue during a dental work may also lead to slipped jaw discs. Hence, surgery should not take over an hour for the patient to feel comfortable after the operation.

 

Missed Canal Filling 

Even many years of experience and training in endodontics cannot adequately address miniature cracks for filling. Since there is limited technology for a root canal, there can be a missed lateral or accessory. These missed canal fillings are common for patients with a multi-rooted tooth. Sealing the infection with a crown is also as crucial as filling the dental seal. It would help if you only got a board-certified specialist to prevent instances of malpractice or injuries.

 

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder

Patients with a current temporomandibular joint disorder may have to be careful in getting treatment for an infected root canal. According to a research case, long therapies for people with or without this jawbone disorder may increase the chances of acquiring TMJD. It is recommended to take short intervals so the patients can rest and close their mouths in between. 

 

Dry Socket In Tooth 

A deep cavity or plaque in the gum line can cause a dry socket, either after a failed root canal therapy. Most dentists resort to treating the germs and bacteria via tooth extraction.

 

Inflammation Of The Pulp

Pulpitis or the pulp’s inflammation may happen before, during, and after a root canal procedure. A dentist who drills too much of the pulp may interact with the nerves surrounding the soft tissue and blood vessels of teeth. There are two kinds of pulpitis; reversible and irreversible. The pain may continue for several days. Both may need a dental specialist, but irreversible pulpitis after receiving root canal solution should be cleaned again by your local dental clinic. 

 

Common Side Effects Of Root Canal Therapy

 

• Difficulty In Opening The Mouth

Dental doctors will most likely point out that your ear is the cause of why your teeth hurt. The jaw disc, concerning TMJ, may have nerve complications from either an abscessed wisdom tooth or a recent surgery. 

 

• Uneven Bite Or Misaligned Teeth

A specialized dentist after the root canal may either fill in too many materials, or the teeth itself is adjusting to the gum line. A patient’s recovery is vital as an uneven bite can result in malocclusion and further misalignment. 

 

• Allergic Reaction To The Filling 

Dental materials that fill your pulp should be free of any bad effects. However, some people may have natural allergic reactions to resin, gutta-percha, or the crown itself. You may want to visit your dentist right away if you see hives and redness of your mouth’s roof or side.

 

Can Pain Relief Solve Jaw Pain?

A doctor may advise the patient to use an antibiotic and pain reliever to decrease continuous pain. However, patients with current medications for other health issues such as diabetes or stroke should cross-check this with a pharmacist or their trusted doctor. Pain medications should resolve the toothache and jaw clenching after an hour. However, if symptoms persist and complications arise, seeking an oral and maxillofacial doctor may be the best option. 

 

When Do You Manage Jaw Pain?

A lengthy root canal treatment may also be treated at home. After this operation, the healing process and recovery may take more than days and weeks of not exerting too much jaw effort. Nevertheless, severe damage to the bone may not even be visible. Only after a few months or years’ time can make the jaw sore and experience an extreme feeling of pain. Anyone should not neglect these symptoms that may put your health in danger. Immediate appointment from your doctor of dental medicine should be your post healthcare action.