A root canal toothache lasts longer than a minute, wakes you up at night and/or causes swelling around a tooth. The pain is caused by decaying tissue inside the tooth, a dental infection, and inflamation. It's usually a constant deep aching pain but can occasionally throb. It hurts to bite. Teeth can die from tooth decay or deep dental fillings. This resulting pain varies from none to constant throbbing. Regardless of the type of pain, the tooth needs a root canal as soon as possible or should be removed. A dead tooth will not live again.

          Some completed root canals fail and can cause a root canal toothache. There are many reasons for failure, but in most cases, the failure is because of an inadequate seal inside one of more canals. Root canal therapy has changed dramatically over the years. We now use biocompatible filling materials that do not irritate the surrounding bone. An apex locater uses sonar to find the exact end of the root canal so that the entire root canal can be sealed. It was not long ago that a dentist had to guess where the end of the canal was by looking at the x-ray. Lots of important developments have occurred that make re-treating an old root canal a good idea. If you've just had a root canal completed and you have a root canal problem, it might be that the tissues surrounding your root canal tooth are inflamed. With severe inflammations, the dentist may prescribe an anti-inflammatory like Decadron Dose Pak.

          Many people with TMJ problems grind their teeth and this can cause a root canal toothache. The constant battering causes their teeth to become inflamed and painful. All of the teeth are often sensitive to hot and cold. In severe cases, the grinding causes discomfort. These patients should always have a grinding guard made first before any root canal therapy is begun.

        Dr. Padolsky and Dr. Smith both provide dental emergency services during the normal Atlanta Dental Group PC extended patient hours. Services include diagnostic procedures, root canal therapy and oral surgery. When needed, financing can be arranged for qualified patients. If you are have a root canal toothache and would like to visit our practice, call 404-874-7428.