“I am not very satisfied with my RCT. What should I do about it?”
I recently underwent a root canal treatment for my molar tooth. However, even after the treatment I find the area sensitive. Does it mean I need to undergo another round of treatment?
18 Answers
DentistRootCanal
Consult your dentist
Not necessarily. Sometimes the pain may just be post operative pain and may disappear a week or two following treatment. If the pain or sensitivity does not go away, I would suggest seeing an Endodontist
I would check with root canal specialist (Endodontist) for further review.
You can give it up to 3 months. If still sensitive, ask for a specialist, maybe you still have a very small canal which only at a very specialized microscope can be seen and treated.
As long as all the nerves were found in the tooth and properly filled, it may take time for the area around the tooth to settle down. The tooth is connected to the bone by tiny ligaments and once all the swelling and irritation is gone the tooth should feel much better. Think of a Root Canal as having surgery and it takes time for the tooth and surrounding tissues to heal.
Sensitivity after a root canal can be very common. It depends on how long ago you have had the root canal. The sensitivity can go away after awhile. If it has been over a month and your tooth can be sensitive, and you have placed a crown or onlay on the tooth, then you may have to have another canal in the root treated. Some teeth have "auxiliary" canals and these canals have to be cleaned out further with continued root canal treatment. When you experience the pain or sensitivity, there can be many other factors involved. You will need to have the dentist that treated you evaluate this. Also, a recently root canaled tooth can become hyperoccluded and the tooth may need to be adjusted out of occlusion to relieve the sensitivity.
It depends on several things. First of all it is normal for some sensitivity to be experience during the days or even a week after a root canal. Remnants of the nerve tissue that were removed during the course of the root canal could be in final stages of eradication causing just some sensitivity. We're talking about the microscopic amount of bacteria as opposed to chronic state of infection the tooth was enduring prior to the removal of the nerve tissue. This was a pressure cooker environment that could have caused a great deal of swelling and a trip to the hospital if left untreated. The next thing that needs to be determined is is the tooth in hyper occlusion with the opposing tooth causing you to overstress the root canal affected tooth. Your dentist will check your occlusion and make sure this is not the case and he may take a new x-ray of the affected area and compare it with the pretreatment X-ray to determine the best course of action.
There are several reasons for post treatment pain. Some are normal and others require treatment. It is best to contact your dentist to evaluate your pain so a small problem doesn’t become larger. For treatment of this problem or to meet your other dental needs, call the dental office of Dr. Brad Emery, Dr. Nicholas Emery and Dr. Carol Scuro, at 585-247-7110. Or check out our website at www.drsemeryandscuro.com.
Not necessarily. Many times when you undergo root canal treatment, it's natural for some inflammation to build up in the bone just around the tooth root. In essence, it's like a bruise that forms and every time you bite on that tooth, you're basically biting into that bruise if that makes sense. It could also depend on the level of infection that was present around the tooth as well. While cleaning and disinfecting the inside of the tooth kills the bacteria that were escaping into the bone area around the tooth, it may take your body 7-10 days to clean up any residual bacteria that is present in that area. Typically, an antibiotic is prescribed if there is an infection present. I recommend 600-800mg of Advil (Ibuprofen) which helps reduce that inflammation around the tooth that forms after treatment. Like most things in the mouth, any symptoms should resolve within 2 weeks of the day of treatment. If not, make sure you return for a follow up and an examination to rule out other possible complications that are rare, but could be occurring.
Hi
It is really impossible to give you a definitive answer without knowing all of the details and examining you. Sometimes, a perfectly well done root canal procedure will be sensitive for a while. I think you need to go back to your dentist and tell him your concerns.
SCOTT M DUBOWSKY DMD FAGD
It is really impossible to give you a definitive answer without knowing all of the details and examining you. Sometimes, a perfectly well done root canal procedure will be sensitive for a while. I think you need to go back to your dentist and tell him your concerns.
SCOTT M DUBOWSKY DMD FAGD
You have to have the treatment result discussed with an endodontist who is a root canal treatment specialist. What is the tooth sensitive to - pressure, cold, hot? There are many factors that can contribute to the discomfort after the treatment. How long ago was the treatment done? The solution may be very simple, for example “bite adjustment”.
Good luck,
Sincerely Dr. Bednarski
Good luck,
Sincerely Dr. Bednarski
Are you a current patient and stating that we did this procedure? Or are you a new patient? We would love to set up an appointment with you for a free exam to look at the area.
Dr. Tuan Anh Vu
Dentist
First, how long ago is your root canal treatment? If it is within a month, then it is normal, but quite a while then you should go back to the endodontist for him or her to take another X-ray and check out that tooth again.
Good luck
Forest Family Dentistry DDS
Good luck
Forest Family Dentistry DDS
Root canal treatment can be sensitive from 6 months -1 year after being completed - this is completely NORMAL! If the area presents with swelling, I would recommend seeing your dentist immediately to rule out other pathology such as a gum infection or a root fracture.
There are many reasons why a tooth may still be sensitive after a root canal treatment. The symptoms may be very mild to severe. Depending on the tooth, there may be a secondary canal which if not treated could cause pain. It can also be sensitive in the gum, which would be dependent on the periodontal condition and/or how the tooth was restored after the root canal was completed. If you are still uncomfortable, it would be best to have the tooth reevaluated.
If you are not satisfied with the Root Canal Treatment, then you should schedule your appointment with the dentist to give you proper care. After the root canal procedure, if you are finding the area sensitive, you are allowed to undergo another round of treatment.
It is true that root canal treatment is effective and gives you relief in the first round only. But, there are a few cases like yours which needs to go with another round of treatment.
It is true that root canal treatment is effective and gives you relief in the first round only. But, there are a few cases like yours which needs to go with another round of treatment.
Not necessarily. It really depends on the case. Some require time to fully heal and recover. The first step would be a follow up with the treating dentist to review your treatment and the expected outcome. The level of your sensitivity and how it effects your daily quality of life and function are important aspects in your overall plan. Dr. Grimm
Not necessarily. If the tooth doesn't feel pretty normal after a few weeks, then you need to go back to the dentist who performed the treatment or get a second opinion.
