“Is it normal for gums to hurt after root canal?”

Wait for 1-2 days, than if it still hurts, call the dentist and make an extra check. It is normal to be sensitive the same day, but not for long.

Yes, there can be gum pain following a root canal for a few reasons. A rubber dam is used to isolate the tooth and the clamps used to secure the dam to the tooth sometimes cut the gum tissue surrounding the tooth. Also, residual infection around the tooth may cause the tissue to be uncomfortable. I recommend rinsing with salt water for a day or two to relieve mild gum irritation and if the problem persists, I would contact the doctor who performed the root canal and determine if an antibiotic is necessary. Hope this helps, Dr. G.

Yes, especially if the dentist that performed the root canal used a rubber dam (the slipper thing that covered your whole mouth for better isolation). The only way to secure the rubber dam is with a clamp around your tooth, which usually results in sore gums for a couple of days after the procedure. If there are no contraindications, you can take tylenol or ibuprofen as needed and follow with a warm salt water rinse to help reduce the inflammation in the area.