Fortunately, post root canal pain is unusual. When it does occur, there are several possible causes. Probably the most common problem is a high bite. The periodontal ligament around the root canal tooth is inflamed and raises the tooth slightly out of the tooth socket. When the patient bites, the root canal tooth hits first and gets battered. This causes more pain and more biting. It's a vicious cycle. The solution is to reduce the biting surface of the tooth so it doesn't hit high.

            When there is severe post root canal pain, it is often due to some of the sodium hypochlorite cleaning solution squirting out into the bone surrounding the root canal tooth. Dentists use sodium hypochlorite ( bleach ) to dissolve dead root canal tissue and kill any living pulp. Although the root canal exit is very small, it is possible for some solution to get out. The bleach then sits around irritating the surrounding tissues for several days. It can really hurt. Removing all of the dead tissue helps decrease the dental pain.

            Occasionally, post root canal pain is due to continuing inflammation around the tooth roots. The inflammation began with a dental infection but even after the infection is removed, the inflammation can remain. When this occurs, short term steroid use is often successful in reducing and eventually eliminating the tooth pain.

            There are other reasons for a patient experiencing post root canal pain, but they tend to be rare. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Our group performs root canals including root canal retreatment, some root canal surgery procedures and a lot more. If you would like to discuss your options with our root canal dentist, Charles Chung DMD or with Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky call 404-874-7428 for your free dental consultation appointment.