How to relieve pain in a devitalized tooth: what works and what should not do!
After endodontic treatment – a root canal, or devitalization if you prefer – it’s natural to expect and long for the pain to end. After all, the nerve has been removed, the infection treated, and the canals sealed. However, in many cases, the pain can persist, and therefore it’s important to know what to do to relieve pain in a devitalized tooth.
This pain not only surprises, but worries the patient and it is important to ease the pain safely, effectively and without compromising treatment results.
According to the Order of Dentists (OMD), it is common to feel some discomfort in the days that follow non-surgical endodontic treatment.
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4 actions you can do at home to combat pain
Pain arises as a normal inflammatory response from tissues surrounding the root, which were manipulated during the procedure.
However, usually this pain is mild, intermittent and tends to disappear over time, as we explain here. In these cases, there are a number of simple measures that can provide relief:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected side of the face for 15 minutes.
- Opt for a gentler diet and avoid chewing with the treated tooth.
- Use painkillers such as paracetamol, only on professional advice.
- Make a good oral hygiene, without harming the sensitive area.
However, if these measures do not work and the pain persists it is time to seek help from your specialist doctor.
When to seek help from a dentist to relieve pain in devitalized tooth?
As we can see, the situation is not always so simple. When the pain persists, increases or is accompanied by other symptoms, there may be a more serious problem and the treated tooth hurts until it chews, for example.
The presence of a residual infection, an invisible fracture or even an incorrect adjustment of the bite are possible causes that require clinical diagnosis. In these cases, the home methods are no longer enough and the pain is too much to pass!
Take special care not to rely on solutions that endanger your dental health.
Never trust solutions that circulate on the internet without scientific validation.
There are some quite popular, such as the application of clove oil, however there are many risks associated with home remedies for toothache which are not always mentioned.
In this specific case, it is true that it may have some temporary effects such as analgesia – eugenol (the main component of clove oil) has anesthetic properties and can temporarily relieve pain – and antiseptic action – due to antimicrobial activity.
However, the risks and side effects are much greater and may arise:
- Chemical irritation: burns, ulcers or inflammation.
- Delay in proper treatment: mascara symptoms of infection.
- Allergic reactions: swelling, itching or severe pain.
- Interference with dental materials.
- Toxicity if ingested in excess.
It is no wonder that the American Dental Association (ADA) warns that this type of substance can cause burns or adverse reactions in the oral mucosa, especially if used without supervision.
It is also necessary to be careful with the mouthfuls with water and salt or calming infusions, such as chamomile, may have some calming effect, but they do not resolve infections nor replace professional assessment in front of a sensitive devitalized tooth.
Wait for the pain to go on until when?
OMD medical guidelines say that clinical reassessment should occur in cases of persistent pain exceeding seven days, or whenever the intensity of discomfort increases over time.
At A Clínica Dr. Pedro Mota, in Vila Franca de Xira, whenever these situations arise, we assess the patient with advanced diagnostic technology, including digital radiographs and percussion and occlusion tests, being possible to identify, for example, devitalized teeth with infection.
The goal is to identify the real cause of pain and act conservatively but effectively. Often, the solution comes with a small adjustment in restoration. In other cases, it may be necessary to carry out an endodontic retreatment, always prioritizing the comfort and preservation of the tooth.
The most important thing is to realize that relieving pain in a devitalized tooth depends on the underlying cause. Ignoring the signs or masking the symptoms can aggravate the situation and compromise the success of the treatment carried out.
End the anguish of feeling pain after devitalizing a tooth!
Stay calm and focus on the causes and treatment of this situation that may be transitory. Pain does not always mean treatment failure.
This is often a normal tissue response and can be controlled with simple measures. However, ignoring persistent pain or resorting to homemade solutions without scientific validation can bring more risks than benefits.
In fact, pain is a sign that something in the body needs attention and the safest way is always through professional evaluation that will detect the source of the problem and apply the appropriate treatment.
Now you know the solution, instead of “panicking”, ask for evaluation and help from our professionals to send away the pain!
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