Endodontic treatments can be painful. The endodontist is attempting to correct something with your gums or teeth that requires more invasive measures, and thus, you are likely to have some pain or discomfort based on the procedure. If you have visited Dr. Tyler McCabe, D.M.D., a family dentist in Ocean Springs for a recent endodontic procedure, you will find that he has prescribed some pain management methods for you to follow.
Typical Endodontic Procedures
A common endodontic procedure is a root canal from an Ocean Springs licensed endodontist. A hole is drilled into the root of the tooth that is no longer alive in order to fill that root and prevent rot and disease in the rest of the tooth. It's a measure taken to save the rest of the tooth from being destroyed and forcibly pulled from its socket. Most endodontists would prefer a root canal to pull a tooth entirely, particularly when the rest of the tooth can be saved.
Another procedure is a dental implant. This requires lengthy surgery to first replace an empty tooth socket with an abutment screw, and then later on affix a false crown. Because a dead tooth might have to be pulled or exposure of the jaw bone drilled, there may be some post-surgical pain involved.
With the recent epidemic of addiction to painkillers, most medical, oral, and dental doctors are reluctant to prescribe pain medication. If you are given a script for a controlled painkiller, you will have to use it according to your endodontist's instructions and not request additional pills. Usually, a safer over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen is suggested for pain after a prescription medication is used up.
Ongoing Pain and Management of That Pain
It's not unusual to have pain for up to a week or more after a procedure. However, if the pain is really bad or persists beyond the point where the gum tissue and/or bone has healed, contact the endodontist who did your root canal in Ocean Springs. An underlying cause, such as a mild infection or nerve pain in a nearby tooth may be the culprit. If you have a family dentist in Ocean Springs and can't get in to see the orthodontist, check with your family dentist to see what is happening. The family dentist should be part of your follow-up care for any endodontic treatments anyway.
Other Non-Medication Things You Can Try
Ice packs are frequently suggested to help numb the area where you had a procedure. Don't place ice packs inside your mouth. Place them on your cheek near the area where you feel pain.
If your endodontist and dentist say it's okay, you can try a dental/oral numbing agent purchased over the counter from a local pharmacy. Daub it on with a cotton ball or bite down on the sterile cotton dipped in the numbing agent. Call Dr. McCabe if you experience any discomfort out of the ordinary after an endodontic procedure.