For some reason, root canals received an unearned, unfair reputation for causing pain. In fact, most patients discover that the discomfort is similar to a routine cavity filling. Endodontists are experts at relieving pain. In fact, once the recovery process is complete, most patients return to a life without the pain that led them to receive a root canal in the first place. Patients usually start to experience relief from the tenderness in 24 to 48 hours after a root canal.

If you visited a dentist recently and a canker sore, or a smallish open sore, appears on your gums, you are not alone.

These sores are a common condition that many people experience after a dental visit and usually disappear in 7-10 days.

During your dentist visit, your gums were rubbed and irritated, this may be the cause. We work to make sure your visits are stress-free as possible.

But, because these sores are not entirely understood medically, or why they appear, becoming familiar with some simple treatments available may be helpful. To speed up healing and numb the irritation of those annoying (and possibly painful) sores, here are some options.

A homemade solution of half water, half hydrogen peroxide as an oral rinse (and spit!) can be very soothing.

Also, by applying Vitamin E oil to the sore, many people found relief and quicker healing times.

A variety of over-the-counter pain relievers are also available.

These products may alleviate some of your discomfort from a canker sore.

However you choose to treat canker sores, remember a few things:

• As much as 25% of the population experience canker sores.

• The slight trauma to your gums after a dentist office visit may trigger them.

• They are not contagious. The true cause of canker sores is unknown.

• Most canker sores heal within 7-10 days.

After a root canal, most patients feel mild discomfort or tenderness while healing. Taking an anti-inflammatory pain reliever like ibuprofen usually helps. Sometimes a patient also needs a crown or other form of restoration. If that applies, the healing process will be complete after treatment is complete.

Root canal treatment removes nerve tissue, and blood vessels and capillaries from your tooth. Sometimes this tissue is living but in many cases (such as an infected tooth or dental abscess) these tissues are dead or necrotic already. While a root-canal-treated tooth is technically dead or non-vital, you can still perceive chewing pressure with your tooth. This is because there are millions of tiny nerve fibers in the Periodontal Ligament that wraps around the outside surface of your tooth roots.

Interestingly, the answer is no. In some cases, a painful or infected tooth requiring treatment my have a calcified pulp or nerve. This occurs when the soft tissue in the root canals becomes hardened over time. In these cases, it may not be possible to complete the necessary treatment and, instead, tooth extraction will be the only option. Occasionally, your Dentist will refer you to a Endodontist for a 2nd opinion. This will enable them to give you information on the likelihood of successful endodontic treatment.