“Do root canals hurt after?”
I needed to have a root canal 2 days ago, and it really hurts now. Do root canals usually hurt after?
8 Answers
Yes, they are usually sore for a few days...between very sore and mild pain. most symptoms resolve in a week or two but can take 6 to 8 weeks.
Generally, a tooth feels better after the completion of root canal treatment. This is not always the case and there are several mitigating factors.
The most common reason I have found for a tooth to hurt after a root canal is because the tooth contacts its apposing tooth prematurely, the tooth or filling is "high." Usually a quick trip to the dentist to "adjust" the high spot will relieve the discomfort. It should be noted that a tooth that did not touch prior to treatment may actually touch after treatment because of the inflammatory process that may occur in the tooth's ligament space. This inflammation can, on occasion, "push" the tooth slightly out of its socket. Even a very slight extrusion of the tooth from its normal position can cause a premature contact which may be painful until it is relieved.
There are a number of other causes for post operative pain related to root canals. While not as common or as easily dealt with as a "high" tooth or filling, residual or recurrent infection must be considered. The point of a root canal is to remove dead tissue and bacteria from the inside of the tooth. Once in awhile (actually much more often than symptoms, pain, indicate) bacteria and other debris are pushed out of the tip of the root during treatment. This debris causes inflammation and makes the tooth much more sensitive to percussion until your body resolves or eliminates the offending debris.
Because of the variables as to why a tooth might hurt following a root canal I recommend you return to your dentist and have it evaluated there.
The most common reason I have found for a tooth to hurt after a root canal is because the tooth contacts its apposing tooth prematurely, the tooth or filling is "high." Usually a quick trip to the dentist to "adjust" the high spot will relieve the discomfort. It should be noted that a tooth that did not touch prior to treatment may actually touch after treatment because of the inflammatory process that may occur in the tooth's ligament space. This inflammation can, on occasion, "push" the tooth slightly out of its socket. Even a very slight extrusion of the tooth from its normal position can cause a premature contact which may be painful until it is relieved.
There are a number of other causes for post operative pain related to root canals. While not as common or as easily dealt with as a "high" tooth or filling, residual or recurrent infection must be considered. The point of a root canal is to remove dead tissue and bacteria from the inside of the tooth. Once in awhile (actually much more often than symptoms, pain, indicate) bacteria and other debris are pushed out of the tip of the root during treatment. This debris causes inflammation and makes the tooth much more sensitive to percussion until your body resolves or eliminates the offending debris.
Because of the variables as to why a tooth might hurt following a root canal I recommend you return to your dentist and have it evaluated there.
No
Before I answer this particular question, I want to discuss the overall possible consequences of a root canal.
Root canals, like other medical and dental treatment, can have side effects and complications, as well as very important benefits.
You can read more at my website about Root Canal:
https://www.atozdentalcare.com/dental-service/root-canal/
One of the possible consequences of a root canal is inflammation and/or pain. Actually, inflammation is one of our body’s natural immune system responses. Inflammation is a result of infection, irritation, or injury – all of which might have necessitated your root canal in the first place. Inflammation has four signs; redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Inflammation typically begins in the ligament surrounding the tooth and spreads to neighboring tissues. Pain and discomfort when biting down or chewing foods may present itself because of inflammation of ligaments. These symptoms should go away after a few days with a dentist’s care.
The chances of this kind of complication can increase when a dentist is not as expert as they ought to be.
Root canals, like other medical and dental treatment, can have side effects and complications, as well as very important benefits.
You can read more at my website about Root Canal:
https://www.atozdentalcare.com/dental-service/root-canal/
One of the possible consequences of a root canal is inflammation and/or pain. Actually, inflammation is one of our body’s natural immune system responses. Inflammation is a result of infection, irritation, or injury – all of which might have necessitated your root canal in the first place. Inflammation has four signs; redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Inflammation typically begins in the ligament surrounding the tooth and spreads to neighboring tissues. Pain and discomfort when biting down or chewing foods may present itself because of inflammation of ligaments. These symptoms should go away after a few days with a dentist’s care.
The chances of this kind of complication can increase when a dentist is not as expert as they ought to be.
Hello,
Yes, sometimes you will experience some discomfort due to either the manipulation inside the tooth, or perhaps the rubber dam clamp may cause some soreness, or even if the bite is too high from the temporary placed over the access hole. If OTC pain meds don't help, please contact your dentist for there may be residual infection requiring an antibiotic or a fracture in the tooth!
Great question! Good luck and hope you feel better!
Dr. Marcin
Yes, sometimes you will experience some discomfort due to either the manipulation inside the tooth, or perhaps the rubber dam clamp may cause some soreness, or even if the bite is too high from the temporary placed over the access hole. If OTC pain meds don't help, please contact your dentist for there may be residual infection requiring an antibiotic or a fracture in the tooth!
Great question! Good luck and hope you feel better!
Dr. Marcin
It's not unusual for recent root canals to be painful. They can take some time to heal, but each day should get better.
Not if you have them done prior to tooth pain. If you wait until after it hurts, then you most likely will have pain after for about 48 hours.
Very normal to have some pain after a root canal. If it bothers you for more than two weeks, please call the dentist to schedule a post-op visit.
