Root Canal Treatment Side Effects | Yorkshire Dental Suite

If you have a painful or infected tooth, book a consultation with one of Yorkshire Dental Suite’s root canal specialists today. We can provide same or next-day appointments if you are in extreme discomfort.

Like any other dental treatment, a root canal has common side effects to be aware of prior to booking your procedure, alongside potential risks and complications. Your dentist will do everything possible to mitigate these risks, but it's still important to understand what to expect during your recovery and when to seek advice.

Root canal treatment: Side effects

Recovery from a root canal procedure typically takes around one week. During this time you may experience some common side effects, but these are usually temporary. Your dentist will discuss this with you on the day of your appointment.

Side effect	Why does it happen?	When does it happen?
Numbness or tingling	The anaesthetic wears off and your mouth regains feeling	1 – 2 hours
Minor swelling	Pressure from dental instruments and deep cleaning action	1 – 3 days
Toothache	Tissue inflammation or significant pre-existing infection	1 – 7 days
Jaw stiffness	Keeping your mouth open during the procedure for an extended time period	1 – 2 days
Sensitivity while biting and chewing	The ligaments surrounding the tooth are still healing, and the pressure caused by eating leads to irritation	3 – 7 days

Root canal risks and complications

What are the dangers of having a root canal? While danger is a strong word, there are risks associated with this treatment. Being knowledgeable of these complications may prevent them from occurring in the first place.

Tooth discolouration

This can happen for a number of reasons, for example, residual debris or blood products from the surgery have been left within the tooth structure before being sealed up. Something else to consider is that after a root canal, the tooth is dead. This means it no longer receives any blood, which is a contributing factor of discolouration.

Risk level: Low-Moderate

Sinus congestion

As the roots of the upper teeth sit closely (or inside) the maxillary sinuses, there is a chance that the treatment leads to temporary inflammation, or your dentist may accidentally puncture the sinus lining. Any existing infections can also spread to the sinus cavity.

Risk level: Moderate

Re-infection

Whether it’s the result of new tooth decay, missed canals or the delayed fitting of a permanent crown, re-infection is a potential risk. Warning signs that your root canal tooth has become infected includes swollen gums, toothache and a persistent bad taste in your mouth.

Risk level: Moderate

Tooth cracking

This can happen during the surgery or after. The pressure placed on the tooth during the cleaning process has the ability to crack the tooth. Alternatively, as a root canal tooth is weaker than an average tooth, its brittle structure is more prone to cracking or chipping. It is relatively uncommon, but not unheard of.

Risk level: Low (during surgery), Moderate (after surgery)

Nerve damage

The chances of nerve damage happening is rare. However, it occurs if the root canal treatment has irritated, injured or bruised the neighbouring nerves. This type of damage may cause temporary or long-lasting numbness, as well as sharp, unexpected jolts of pain and burning sensations.

Risk level: Low

Root canal failure

Finally, there is a small chance that the treatment does not work, and you will need to have the tooth extracted to prevent further issues. A reason for this may be that your canals cannot be accessed. Rest assured, your dentist will do everything possible to prevent this.

Risk level: Low

When to contact your dentist

If your discomfort persists longer than a week (or worsens), please contact your dentist. This could be a sign that there is an issue with the healing process. Whilst frustrating, a quick assessment can resolve the issue early. Your dentist will also be able to provide useful tips on how to help your mouth recover.

How to reduce risks and side effects after a root canal

Some of the aforementioned risks are out of your control. However, you have the ability to aid a smooth and successful recovery. Here’s our top tips on how to manage the most common root canal side effects:

Swelling: Wrap an icepack in a towel or cloth and apply to the tender area.
Pain when eating: Stick to a soft food diet to minimise the need for chewing.
Toothache and jaw pain: Take your typical over-the-counter pain medication.
Re-infection: Maintain a great oral hygiene routine and avoid smoking.
Tooth cracking: Wear a mouthguard if you play sports or grind your teeth, while avoiding hard and crunchy foods.

Most importantly, follow the aftercare instructions set out by your dentist! They routinely carry out root canals and know how to minimise the chance of long-term complications and re-infection.

Conclusion:

While they may seem intimidating, a root canal offers potentially life-changing benefits. Your ongoing discomfort is stopped and you regain the strong, healthy smile you once had. If you need a root canal, trust the specialists at Yorkshire Dental Suite to fix your tooth and enquire today.