Can Root Canal Treatment Reduce Gum Inflammation and Pain?

Is root canal treatment effective for gingival inflammation?

Hello: Recently, I bit down on something hard with my back tooth, which caused it to feel a bit loose.
My gums are also inflamed and swollen, causing pain.
The doctor said there is no periodontal disease or cavities, but the root of the tooth may be fractured, leading to the looseness and inflammation.
I was in so much pain that I considered having it extracted, but the doctor suggested performing a root canal first and then reassessing after a week to see if the swelling subsides before deciding on extraction.
I would like to know if removing the tooth nerve will help reduce the swelling? Why do I still feel pain on the same day after the nerve removal? Is this normal?

Jingwen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/01

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry

The above situation may be caused by the teeth biting down on a hard object, resulting in injury to the periodontal tissues, or by plaque leading to infection of the periodontal tissues.
On the other hand, inflammation of the apical tissue can also cause gingival inflammation, typically due to cavities or defects in the teeth that allow bacteria to invade the dental pulp.
If the inflammation is caused by apical periodontitis, root canal treatment can be attempted to clean the apical area, which may improve the gingival inflammation.

Reply Date: 2016/03/01

More Info

Root canal treatment (RCT) is a common dental procedure aimed at treating infections or damage within the tooth's pulp, which can lead to pain and inflammation in the surrounding gums. Your situation, where you have experienced gum inflammation and pain following trauma to the tooth, raises several important considerations regarding the effectiveness of RCT in alleviating these symptoms.

First, it is essential to understand that the primary goal of RCT is to remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from the tooth. This process involves cleaning and disinfecting the root canals, followed by filling them to prevent future infections. When the nerve is removed, the source of pain from the pulp is eliminated, which can lead to a reduction in inflammation over time. However, it is important to note that the immediate post-treatment period may still involve some discomfort or pain. This can be attributed to several factors:
1. Inflammation and Healing: After the nerve is removed, the body still needs time to heal. The inflammation in the gums and surrounding tissues may persist for a few days or even weeks as the body responds to the trauma and the procedure itself. This is a normal part of the healing process.

2. Residual Infection: If there was significant infection present before the RCT, it may take time for the inflammation to subside completely. In some cases, if the infection was not entirely cleared during the procedure, it could lead to ongoing pain and swelling.

3. Post-Operative Pain: It is not uncommon for patients to experience some level of discomfort after RCT. This can be due to the manipulation of the tooth and surrounding tissues during the procedure, which can cause temporary soreness.

4. Underlying Issues: If there are additional problems, such as a fracture in the tooth root or issues with the surrounding bone, these may also contribute to ongoing pain and inflammation. In your case, the dentist mentioned the possibility of a fracture, which could complicate the healing process.

To address your specific questions:
- Will the removal of the nerve reduce swelling? In many cases, yes, but it may not be immediate. The reduction in swelling often occurs gradually as the body heals and any residual infection resolves.

- Is it normal to experience pain on the same day after the procedure? Yes, it is normal to experience some pain or discomfort after RCT. This pain should gradually decrease over the following days. If the pain worsens or does not improve, it is important to follow up with your dentist.

- What can be done to manage pain and inflammation? Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage pain. Additionally, applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek can reduce swelling. If the pain is severe or persistent, your dentist may prescribe stronger pain medication or antibiotics if an infection is suspected.

In conclusion, while root canal treatment can effectively reduce gum inflammation and pain over time, it is essential to monitor your symptoms closely. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or any new symptoms, it is crucial to return to your dentist for further evaluation. They may need to take additional X-rays or perform further treatments to ensure that all issues are addressed adequately.

Similar Q&A

Managing Persistent Gum Inflammation After Root Canal Treatment

Hello Doctor, my lower molars underwent root canal treatment about 6 or 7 years ago. After the treatment, the teeth were only filled. In July 2015, my gums started swelling and hurting, and after seeking treatment, it improved. However, in November of the same year, the gum swell...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
The above situation may be due to insufficient debridement during the initial root canal treatment, leading to apical root infection. It is also possible that there are cracks in the root, causing inflammation of the surrounding gums. If retreatment is ineffective, apicoectomy ma...

Why Do My Teeth Hurt After a Dental Cleaning?

A few days ago, I went to the dentist due to tooth pain, and they diagnosed me with gum inflammation. They performed a dental cleaning and advised me to brush my teeth more thoroughly, especially the back teeth, and prescribed medication for me. At that time, I also mentioned tha...

Dr. Zeng Guanghui reply Dentistry
1. If there is soreness in the teeth after a dental cleaning and medication is effective, it indicates that the dental pulp may be inflamed, and root canal treatment is recommended. 2. If the teeth are even more painful after the cleaning, it may be due to the exposure of the too...

Managing Gum Swelling and Pain After Root Canal Treatment

Hello Doctor, I had a root canal treatment on my upper left molar over ten years ago, followed by a crown. In November 2019, I experienced inflammation and swelling, and after an X-ray, the doctor indicated there was pus inside, leading to a second root canal and a new crown. I...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: It is recommended that you continue to use 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash (three times a day). If the swelling and pain do not improve, you may first ask a local pharmacy abroad to prescribe 500mg Amoxicillin (take one every 4 to 6 hours) along with an NSAID for pain relief....

Post-Root Canal Issues: Gum Inflammation and Chewing Problems Explained

Hello, I had a root canal treatment on my upper left molar when I was a child, but it was not completed at that time. As I grew older, the tooth became calcified, and the dentist who attempted to treat it later found it too difficult due to the severe calcification. They suggeste...

Dr. Lin Jiayong reply Dentistry
Hello: It is advisable to discuss this matter with the dentist who performed the microscopic root canal treatment for you, as you initially mentioned that the old crown was removed to redo the root canal, indicating that there was likely an existing issue. Therefore, prior to sta...