7 Ways to Prevent Throbbing Pain after a Root Canal Treatment

After a root canal, there may be normal or temporary pain that could signal a problem like a missed canal, infection, or a cracked tooth.

Additionally, throbbing pain after a root canal is also a part of its healing process. It can occur through residual inflammation, pressure, or sensitivity of the periodontal ligaments and surrounding tissues.

But there's no need to worry, as this pain can be healed with different remedies.

However, if the pain is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus, one should contact a dentist as soon as possible.

Mild pain usually minimizes within a few days, but persistent pain can lead to a more severe condition or damage if not treated on time.

That’s why smart people take necessary steps to prevent the pain after RCT. So, in this blog, we will give you 8 ways to prevent throbbing pain after a root canal.

7 Ways to Prevent Throbbing Pain after a Root Canal

Although a root canal is a very common and effective treatment, sometimes it can lead to pain and discomfort.

Here are several basic methods of preventing root canal treatment:

1.  Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are a type of pain-relieving medication used for treating throbbing pain.

These medications can be taken without a prescription as painkillers for mild to moderate pain. 

They work by reducing inflammation or acting on the central nervous system. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen work by blocking chemicals that cause pain and inflammation.

Meanwhile, OTCs like paracetamol reduce pain by acting centrally. 

Both these types can give relief for conditions causing throbbing pain. One should take pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed by the dentist.  

2. Cold Compress

A cold compress can help in reducing throbbing pain after getting a root canal treatment in Patna.

It's a process of numbing the area, minimizing inflammation, and swelling in the affected area.

A cloth-wrapped, cold pack is used to apply, outside of your cheek, for 15-20 minutes to help reduce swelling and numb the area.

It needs to be repeated twice or thrice, especially during the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.

The cold numbs the treated area, which helps in temporarily suspending the sensation of pain.

Additionally, it also decreases blood flow to the treated area, reducing swelling and inflammation. 

3. Warm Salt Water Rinse

Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit it out.

Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help soothe the area and promote healing. 

Salt contains natural anti-inflammatory properties that help minimize swelling and soothe irritated gums.

A warm saltwater rinse cleanses the treated area, removing bacteria and lessening the risk of reinfection.

By keeping the area clean and reducing inflammation, saltwater rinses promote the natural healing process after a root canal. 

4. Elevate Your Head

Elevating your head after a root canal helps control pain and swelling during recovery.

This is because lying flat can be a reason for severe pain as it causes fluids to accumulate in the head and neck, which results in swelling and discomfort.

By keeping your head up with extra pillows, you can minimize blood flow to the affected area, which helps reduce throbbing pain and inflammation.

This is particularly important when resting or sleeping during the first few days after a root canal. By reducing throbbing pain, elevating your head provides you with better sleep.

5. Avoid Chewing on the Affected Tooth

Be careful while chewing through the treated tooth, as the nerve and blood vessels inside the tooth are removed.

Without the nerve, the tooth is not that strong, and it will be able to crack anything unless it gets a permanent restoration of the crown. 

The temporary filling of the root canal would be fragile and could easily break down by chewing and biting through it, just after the treatment.

While the tooth still functions for daily activities, it becomes weaker and is likely to fracture.

6. Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods

For the first few days after the treatment, one should stick to soft foods only. Foods like soups, smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc, are generally recommended by the dentist after the root canal.

One should avoid eating hard food or foods that require a lot of chewing or are sticky, as they can cause damage to the treated tooth.

And as we have discussed earlier, do not chew or put pressure on the treated tooth until a permanent restoration is placed.

7. Refrain from Smoking

Smoking can extend the healing process and contribute to prolonged pain. One must refrain from smoking, both before and after the root canal procedure.

This is because it increases the risk of infection and other complications.

Smoking reduces blood flow and oxygen supply, compromises the immune system, and introduces irritants to the sensitive healing part or tissue that harm the recovery process. 

Experts recommend avoiding smoking for at least 72 hours after the procedure to get a quick recovery.

So, these were the eight ways to prevent throbbing pain after a root canal.

However, remember that if these tips are helpful to you, run to a good dental clinic in Patna, as the persistent pain can be a sign of a bigger issue.

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Dr.  Aishwarya, an award-winning dental specialist, runs a leading dental clinic in Patna, which is known for providing the best root canal treatment.

With her unmatched expertise and years of experience, this committed dental expert has helped numerous people live a pain-free life.

She combines modern dentistry with compassionate care to provide safe and effective treatment to her patients.

Additionally, Dr. Aishwarya, B.D.S, M.D.S (Gold Medalist), the clinic is well equipped with the latest dental tools and technologies that help dental experts to provide precise treatment.

This is why people from all across Patna visit this clinic to get root canal treatment. So, what are you waiting for?

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Conclusion

There are so many ways to prevent throbbing pain after a root canal. In this blog, we have talked about the 7 common effective ones. 

These are home care remedies that actually work. But you must consult a dentist if you have severe or worsening throbbing pain, especially if it doesn't respond to medications and remedies.

Also, if you see any signs of infection or other complications that are not healing after trying all the basic pain-relieving methods.

If you want to get pain-free root canal treatment that is free of any complications, you must contact Dr. Aishwarya, B.D.S, M.D.S (Gold Medalist) Clinic.

It is known in the town for its proven success record and reasonable prices.

So, wait no more and book your appointment today and experience painless, expert root canal treatment in Patna.