“Why do I feel sensitivity even after a root canal?”
I got a root canal a few days ago, but I still feel slight sensitivity. Is this normal? Why am I experiencing sensitivity?
7 Answers
DentistRootCanal
It is not unusual for a tooth to be a little sensitive to chewing or pressure for a few days after a root canal. This is usually due to the pressure, grinding and vibration of the procedure itself. It is normal that the ligaments around the tooth an get temporarily injured and this may last a few days. If the symptoms last more than a couple of weeks, you should contact your dentist and let them know.
Root canal procedures are a minor form of surgery. During the process sometimes debris is forced through the tip of the root and into the bone. Your body will clean this up through a process which will include some internal swelling which you perceive as sensitivity. Unless there are germs involved, this sensitivity should subside soon.
You just had a nerve or nerves removed from a very tight sterile environment that was insulted by bacteria, in a dark area, full of digesting food, not to mention instruments introduced into the nerve canal to accomplish the healing process. It was traumatic and you should treat it as such and rest, follow instructions, take your medication, keep the teeth clean, don't eat Jawbreakers, and don't play with temporary filling. If it seems high, it's because they're still swelling.
Sensitivity after a root canal can be due to several reasons: 1. Hyperocclusion, where the the teeth are hitting against each other when biting due to the temporary filling or inflammation at the root tip of the tooth pushing the tooth into the bite; 2. Inflammation at the root tip due to the root canal procedure, which can require days or months for the tooth to quiet down; 3. Extra canals that are hidden that may need to be looked for; 4. Tooth could be fractured, which cannot be seen. Injection site pain, which can mimic a tooth pain. Possible grinding/clenching can require longer heal times. Other possibilities, this is not a full list.
Hello,
It is normal for the tooth to be sensitive to biting or pressure or the gum to be sore for up to a few weeks following treatment.
Hope that helps,
Jeff Samyn, DDS, MSD
It is normal for the tooth to be sensitive to biting or pressure or the gum to be sore for up to a few weeks following treatment.
Hope that helps,
Jeff Samyn, DDS, MSD
It is normal that after any work is done, 2-4 days after can often be the worst time. Usually within a week you should be okay. That being said, some cases take longer, and some cases, possible fractured teeth, might never feel quite right. Motrin, if you can take it, works well to control the discomfort. If the Motrin alone doesn't work, try adding Tylenol with it.
This is normal. You may have discomfort for 7-10 days after the procedure.
