How to ease the pain of a root canal?

Question

Just had a root canal procedure, and while the dentist said some discomfort is normal, the pain is more than I expected. It's a dull ache that's quite persistent. What can I do to ease this pain and feel more comfortable?

Pooja Trivedi · Accepted Answer

I had my first root canal last month and was so scared of the post-procedure pain. To be honest, keeping an ice pack on the cheek for 10 minutes at a time really kept the swelling down. Also, stick to cold smoothies and soft khichdi for the first two days.

Ram Saran · Answer

Beta, don't eat anything hot or hard from that side of the mouth for some days. Rinse your mouth very gently with warm salt water after eating. It heals quickly, just trust your doctor and rest well.

Arjun Saxena · Answer

Don't worry, the pain is usually just from the temporary inflammation and goes away in 2-3 days. Make sure you take the painkillers exactly as your dentist prescribed, don't wait for the pain to peak. You will be absolutely fine, just avoid chewing from that side.

Karan Sawant · Answer

Actually yaar, the throbbing pain right after the anesthesia wears off is real. I just had cold dahi rice and took the medicine my dentist gave. Honestly, don't try to chew anything hard like nuts or chips until the permanent crown is put.

Sneha Das · Answer

I am scheduled for my first root canal next Tuesday and I am honestly very nervous about the needles. Is the pain during the procedure very bad, or does the local anesthesia completely numb everything?

Deepika Rao · Answer

To minimize downtime, schedule your appointment for a Friday afternoon so you have the weekend to recover. Take your prescribed anti-inflammatory meds right before the anesthesia wears off. Stick to soft, cold foods and you will be back to work by Monday without issues.

How to ease the pain of a root canal?

6 answers

Consult a dental surgeon

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