Root canal treatment, or endodontic therapy, is the most common procedure in dental clinics. It treats severely infected or decayed teeth to relieve pain and remove the damaged pulp. This procedure has been proven to be highly effective in reducing discomfort and restoring the function of the affected tooth.
Although this procedure is relatively safe and successful, it might pose some complications and risks. Before going in for the treatment, it is necessary to understand the side effects of root canal treatment.
We have compiled a list of frequent root canal complications and answered the common question: “What are the root canal treatment side effects?”
Why Do You Need a Root Canal?
Root canal therapy is vital for removing the infected pulp from the tooth, possibly leading to further infection in the bone and adjacent teeth. After proper examination, the dentists remove not only the infected pulp but also the damaged tooth structure.
After the completion, the tooth is restore with a filling material, allowing the patient to preserve the remaining natural tooth from extraction. There are various reasons why someone might need a root canal:
- Dental Decay: Decay because of caries can result in deep or large cavities that compromise the chewing ability and the strength of the tooth. Such teeth require endodontic therapy before the teeth are restored with dental filling material.
- Fracture or Crack in a Tooth: Trauma to teeth can lead to breakage, which might expose the pulp. Once the dental pulp is exposed, the chances of infection increase; hence, root canal therapy is advised in such cases.
- Discoloration of Tooth: Sometimes, the tooth might appear healthy and does not pose any discomfort; however, a prominent difference in the color is visible. This might indicate internal resorption and requires endodontic intervention before the crown or veneer placement.
- Sensitivity to Hot and Cold: Long-term sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t subside after other treatments.
What are the Side Effects of Root Canal Treatment?
Most root canal treatment side effects are temporary and subside within a few days. Here’s what you might experience:
- Pain and Sensitivity: Some discomfort and sensitivity are common as the tissues around the tooth heal.
- Swelling: Mild swelling in the gums or face may occur due to inflammation.
- Tenderness: The treated tooth and surrounding area may feel tender when touched or chewed.
- Mild Discomfort While Chewing: Patients might feel discomfort when applying pressure on the treated tooth.
Long-term Root Canal Treatment Side Effects:
Very few patients complain of having long-term side effects of root canal treatment. Although not common, below are listed potential side effects and complications that are seen in patients:
1. Infection or Reinfection:
This may arise because of the presence of resistant bacteria that was left behind during the treatment or reenters the canal if the restoration from the dental crown falls off, exposing the treated canals. This may require retreatment (reRCT) or, in severe cases, an extraction.
2. Tooth Fracture
Teeth with extensive decay are recommended for crown placement after root canal therapy, as the tooth becomes brittle once the pulp is removed. This makes the tooth prone to fracture even if the biting forces are not high.
3. Instrument Breakage
Endodontic files are use to clean and shape the canals during treatment. These fine instruments might break in outstanding root canals and, if not removed or bypassed, can result in pain or reinfection, requiring re-treatment or extractions in complicated cases.
4. Missed Canals
Some teeth might have more canals than usual or different canal placements than usual, making it difficult for the dentist to locate them. If any canal is missed, the patient may experience pain and discomfort in the long run.
5. Post-Treatment Discoloration
Tooth undergoing root canal therapy tends to darken over time. Since the living tissue inside the tooth pulp is remove, the tooth loses its nutritional supply, leading to changes in the internal structure. This cosmetic issue can be easily fix using dental crowns or veneers.
6. Failed Root Canal
Failing to treat root canals is dependent on numerous factors. The RCT might not offer the desire results if any canal is miss or the restoration is not correctly seal. Endodontically treated teeth often require crown placement after the treatment for protection. If patients fail to comply with dentist instructions, the tooth might break, leading to a poor prognosis.
7. Allergic Reactions
Though rare, some patients may experience an allergic reaction to anesthesia or the materials used in the filling and sealing process.
Conclusion
Root canal treatment is a highly effective procedure for saving infected teeth, but like any medical intervention, it comes with potential side effects and risks. Understanding these risks, following post-treatment guidelines, and working with an experienced dental professional can help ensure a successful outcome.
If you experience severe pain or complications after a root canal, consult the Lake Elmo dentist at Valley Ridge Dental. Get an immediate evaluation from specialists and enjoy the benefits of expert, personalized care.
Schedule an appointment with us today or call (651) 439-0322
You can also visit us at 12425 55th St N Suite B, Lake Elmo, MN 55042
