If you’re experiencing pain or altered sensations around your mouth after a root canal, it’s possible that a nerve could have been damaged during the procedure. In this blog, we outline the most common symptoms of nerve damage after a root canal to help you understand what may be causing your symptoms and when you should seek further advice or treatment.
Think you may have been a victim of dental negligence? See our page on compensation claims for nerve damage after a root canal for more information.
What are the symptoms of nerve damage after a root canal?
It’s normal to feel some discomfort for a few days after a root canal, but any symptoms that persist, worsen, or feel unusual may indicate something may have gone wrong like nerve damage. Common signs include:
Numbness or tingling
Persistent numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the lips, tongue, chin, jaw, or gums could be a symptom of nerve damage. This feeling may remain long after the local anaesthetic has worn off and can be distressing if it does not improve within a few days.
Burning or shooting pain
Some people experience a constant burning sensation or sharp, shooting pains around the treated tooth. This type of pain often feels different from standard pain after a dental procedure and may spread to the jaw, face, or ear.
Loss or alteration of sensation
Nerve damage can lead to partial or complete loss of feeling in parts of the mouth or face. In some cases, the area may feel unusually sensitive or simply “not right,” which can feel uncomfortable and affect your confidence.
Pain or difficulty when eating and drinking
Discomfort when chewing, drinking, or speaking may also occur, particularly if the affected nerve is responsible for muscle control. This can make it very hard to carry out everyday activities.
Will nerve damage after a root canal get better on its own
Minor nerve damage may improve on its own over a period of weeks or months, with symptoms gradually easing as the nerve heals. However, more serious nerve damage can take much longer to improve and, in some cases, may be permanent. In particular, injuries caused by negligent dental practices like excessive drilling or poor technique may result in longer-term pain or numbness.
Because recovery is not always predictable, you should take your symptoms seriously and seek professional advice as early as possible to understand the severity of any damage.
What should I do if I think I have nerve damage after a root canal?
If you believe your nerve has been damaged during a root canal procedure, you should contact your dentist immediately. Early assessment and treatment can help improve your chances of recovery, and your dentist may prescribe medication to manage any pain or refer you to a specialist for further investigation.
If you believe your nerve damage was caused by a mistake during treatment or a failure to provide the appropriate level of care, you may also want to consider whether dental negligence played a role. Not all nerve injuries after a root canal are the result of negligence, but if substandard care caused your injury, you may be entitled to make a dental negligence claim.
A successful claim can help you get compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as any ongoing treatment or financial losses linked to your injury. The specialist dental negligence solicitors at the Dental Law Partnership can review your case and advise on whether you may be eligible to make a claim.
Read more about making a compensation claim for nerve damage after a root canal, or get in touch to speak with a member of our team.