Pain after years

A root canal treatment can be carried out without complications, the healing of wounds is carefree and there is peace and quiet for many years. But even years after the procedure, the tooth can still hurt again, even if the frequency of such complications is rather low. The cause of pain can be different.

On the one hand, root tips may be left behind, which cause a new inflammation.However, an inflammation can also reoccur if the circumstances are unfavorable and bacteria are present. Usually the inflammation symptoms remain undetected for many years and only show typical symptoms after a long time. In apicoectomy, the root tips have been removed, but the remaining part of the root still has a filling, so that bacteria migrate from these canals and settle in the surrounding tissue, such as in the bone.

These processes can take place very slowly, so that pain only returns years after the procedure. If you notice a discomfort in a treated tooth or if pain is already present, it is recommended that you go to the dentist immediately to find the cause. During this visit you can also discuss the alternative of a prosthetic treatment.

Which medications work best?

To speed up wound healing and shield against bacteria, an antibiotic is prescribed in addition to the surgical procedure to eliminate the bacterial cells. This can ensure faster sterility and wound healing. This antibiotic is individually adapted to the patient’s case and the dose is specially prescribed.

The dentist prescribes anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen to help relieve pain symptoms and reduce inflammation and swelling more quickly. It is advisable to rinse twice a day with Chlorhexamed® forte after apicoectomy to keep the germ load in the oral cavity as low as possible and to promote wound closure. This creates an ideal environment in the oral cavity so that the wound cannot become additionally infected.

Furthermore, Chlorhexamed® Gel or Kamistad, applied locally, can also promote wound healing. In addition, there are many home remedies and homeopathic preparations that are intended to close wounds and relieve pain. There is no scientific evidence of this. The intake and dosage should be strictly discussed with the dentist, as it is not necessarily beneficial. However, the affected region can and should be cooled several times a day with a cooling compress to counteract the swelling and relieve pain symptoms.