How to Stop a Root Canal From Hurting

When you undergo a root canal to repair severe decay or address an infection, your dentist or endodontist will remove your tooth's pulp. While it's not uncommon to have residual sensitivity and discomfort for several days, most pain can be easily treated using a combination of homeopathic therapies and over-the-counter treatments.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack or bag of frozen vegetables
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Table salt

Instructions

1. Apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies to the outside of your mouth, directly over the root canal sight. Hold the ice pack in place for five minutes, repeating every 15 to 20 minutes for the first several hours after surgery.

2. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory as directed on the label or prescribed by your doctor. OTC drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen offer pain relief while reducing the swelling caused by root canal trauma.

3. Wait until 12 hours after your root canal therapy. Mix 1/2 to one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water and swish the mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute. Repeat this procedure three to four times a day. When diluted properly, salt soothes the tissue, reduces inflammation and prevents bacteria growth at the root canal site.

4. Elevate your pillow or the head of your bed before you go to sleep. This helps to control bleeding and prevent painful throbbing.

5. Avoid chewing on the post-surgical side of your mouth. If you use the affected tooth to chew, it's likely that you'll experience added swelling and severe pain radiating from the site. In addition, chewing on the tooth before a crown is placed may cause it to crack.

6. Follow up with your dentist or endodontist if you experience intense pain, severe swelling, or pain that lasts more than 24 to 48 hours. Your practitioner may need to prescribe antibiotics for a secondary infection or narcotics for other painful complications.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid drinking alcohol after you've had a root canal. Alcoholic beverages cause blood vessel dilation, which could lead to excessive post-surgical swelling, pain and bleeding.

Resources

• More about root canals from the American Dental Association