A toothache that doesn't go away is a warning sign. It shows there may be a deeper issue inside the tooth or surrounding area. Pain that lasts more than a day should not be ignored. The longer the pain continues, the worse the problem may become. A dentist can identify the cause and offer the right treatment. One common cause of long-lasting pain is an infected tooth, which may require a root canal treatment (RCT). What Causes a Persistent Toothache? A long-lasting toothache usually means the nerve inside the tooth is affected. This can happen due to: Tooth decay Cracked tooth Gum infection Infected tooth pulp Failed dental filling or crown These problems allow bacteria to reach the inner part of the tooth. This area, called the pulp, contains nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes infected, the pain can become sharp, throbbing, and constant. Why Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is Needed A root canal treatment removes the infected pulp from the tooth. The dentist cleans and seals the inside of the tooth to stop the infection. RCT can save the tooth and stop the pain. Without treatment, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. What Happens During RCT? The dentist takes an X-ray to see the infection. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area. The dentist opens the tooth to reach the pulp. The infected pulp is removed. The inside of the tooth is cleaned. The tooth is sealed with filling material. A crown may be placed for protection. Common Side Effects of RCT Understanding the side effects of RCT helps patients know what to expect. Some discomfort is normal after treatment, but most symptoms go away in a few days. Here are the common side effects of RCT: 1. Pain and Sensitivity Mild pain or sensitivity is common after RCT. This happens because the tissues around the tooth are healing. The pain usually goes away within a few days. Over-the-counter painkillers can help reduce the discomfort. 2. Swelling Swelling may occur around the treated tooth. This is a normal response to the cleaning process. It should decrease over time. If swelling gets worse or lasts longer than expected, contact the dentist. 3. Infection Though RCT removes infection, there is still a small risk of a new infection if bacteria enter the tooth again. This may happen if the filling breaks or if the crown becomes loose. Regular check-ups can help spot issues early.
