“Is severe pain normal after a root canal?”
After a root canal I have bad pain. Is it normal? Should I see a dentist?
8 Answers
Slight discomfort after a root canal can occur but severe pain is unusual. Root canal is the removal of the dead/infected nerve from the tooth and should alleviate any previously felt pain or discomfort. Please go see a dentist.
It can be painful, but usually a few days at most. See an endodontist (root canal specialist) asap.
Some discomfort is expected as each patient's symptoms can vary. It's always best to check with your General Dentist for any questions that you have.
Thanks for the good question.
Pain is a very subjective thing and everyone experiences it differently. If you think your pain is abnormal or unmanageable you should contact your dentist. Most of the time you can expect some soreness, especially to pressure. For example biting, tapping, pushing. ESPECIALLY if the tooth was hurting or sore beforehand. If you are having pain immediately after the root canal, it is probably a result of inflammation. If you can take NSAIDS such as Advil or ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours, it is very effective. If you can’t, start with Tylenol products
Often, the gums are irritated and can ache or throb after a root canal. Rinsing with warm salt water 3-5 times per day to keep it clean and Orajel or Anbesol around the tooth will be more effective than oral medication. In a small number of cases, post-op pain can be more severe. You should contact your dentist for advice on how to deal with it. Post-op pain should start to improve in 3 days or less if you have a normal immune system. It could take as long as a month to get back to completely asymptomatic. The majority of patients are comfortable within a week. Post-op pain that gets worse instead of better after 2 days can be an important warning sign of an infection. Be sure to contact your dentist ASAP if whatever post-op pain you have gets worse after a couple of days instead of improving.
I hope this helps,
Dr. Sondra Avant
Pain is a very subjective thing and everyone experiences it differently. If you think your pain is abnormal or unmanageable you should contact your dentist. Most of the time you can expect some soreness, especially to pressure. For example biting, tapping, pushing. ESPECIALLY if the tooth was hurting or sore beforehand. If you are having pain immediately after the root canal, it is probably a result of inflammation. If you can take NSAIDS such as Advil or ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours, it is very effective. If you can’t, start with Tylenol products
Often, the gums are irritated and can ache or throb after a root canal. Rinsing with warm salt water 3-5 times per day to keep it clean and Orajel or Anbesol around the tooth will be more effective than oral medication. In a small number of cases, post-op pain can be more severe. You should contact your dentist for advice on how to deal with it. Post-op pain should start to improve in 3 days or less if you have a normal immune system. It could take as long as a month to get back to completely asymptomatic. The majority of patients are comfortable within a week. Post-op pain that gets worse instead of better after 2 days can be an important warning sign of an infection. Be sure to contact your dentist ASAP if whatever post-op pain you have gets worse after a couple of days instead of improving.
I hope this helps,
Dr. Sondra Avant
Severe pain after a root canal is not normal. You should see a dentist to check.
It is normal to have a tooth ache before a root canal and it is normal to still have pain after a root canal. You can take pain meds and if prescribed take antibiotics. It should get better each day. You can call your dentist if you have questions or concerns.
Thanks
Dr. Price
Thanks
Dr. Price
Rarely 1-3 days of severe pain is possible after root canal procedure. But if it continues, please do see your dentist.
It's not unusual to have some discomfort for 2-3 days after a root canal. Without knowing more details, I would recommend that you contact the dentist who did your root canal.
