Understanding the procedure of a root canal operation helps with recognizing symptoms that appear after the procedure is performed. Teeth have several parts. The white outer surface of a tooth is called enamel. There is another hard layer called the dentin that is beneath the enamel. There is a small open space in the middle of a tooth called a pulp chamber that is filled with pulp. The pulp is comprised of nerves, veins and arteries. A narrow channel called a root canal connects the root of the tooth to its pulp chamber. When the pulp gets infected, it can cause pain. A root canal procedure removes the infected pulp.
Numbness
The anesthetic that was used to numb the area in which the root canal was performed can take a couple of hours to wear off. During this time, the area can have a feeling of numbness.
Sensitivity
The area in which the root canal procedure was performed can be sensitive for several weeks after the operation. Eating and chewing soft foods can reduce the discomfort caused by this sensitivity.
Pain
The pain that existed before the root canal procedure can continue after the operation. Although the infected material that was causing the pain has been removed, the pain can linger for several days.
Discomfort
There is an increase in the volume of blood around the area in which the operation occurred. This is due to the natural healing process. This increase in blood volume can give a general feeling of discomfort.
Bubble
There can sometimes be the appearance of a small bubble on the gums after the operation. This bubble has the appearance of a pimple. It results from pressure and bacteria being released, and it typically disappears after a few days.
Growing Abscess
Sometimes a root canal procedure will not result in all of the bacteria being removed from the abscess, which is a small hole in the bone at the root tip of the tooth. The abscess can continue to grow as the infection spreads. This is typically treated with another operation, during which an incision is made in the gums and the bottom of the tooth is sealed.
