“When I tap on my root canal tooth it hurts. Is it normal?”

The teeth need rest during root canal treatment.

Yes. Inflammation is what causes dental pain. Take ibuprofen (If permitted by md). If it continues, please see the dentist

Root canal-treated teeth can be sore for some time after treatment. Generally, you should give it 3-4 weeks. Your dentist will be able to make sure that the problem is normal post-treatment tenderness or something more serious.

When I had a root canal on one of my molars, it didn't feel normal for 6 months. The root canal filling stops the cause of the pain (bacteria in the dying nerve of the tooth), but doesn't help the bacteria out in the bone surrounding the root of the tooth (the bacteria there came out of the tooth root. The body's immune system can take care of the infection in the bone, but it's a slow process (like ants taking away a sandpile). If a crown was recommended for the tooth and that hasn't been finished, the tooth can be susceptible to fracture, which can
also cause pain to biting/touching...your dentist can check for fracture, if the crown has not been done (front teeth do not always have to have crowns done, as they are not subjected to as much force as your back teeth).

It is not uncommon for a tooth that had a root canal to be sore or tender for several weeks following the procedure. In some cases, the soreness can last for several months while the area around the tooth heals. I would suggest that if the tooth is still uncomfortable 4 weeks after the root canal was completed, you should contact the dentist who completed the procedure and have them conduct an examination.

Keep Smiling,

David M. Kaffey, DDS

I would recommend a follow up with the dentist that performed the root canal. Tapping or percussion sensitivity is normal after a root canal to a point, but typically this resolves within 1 week time. If your tooth continues to hurt, it may be an indication of residual infection or a fracture in your tooth. Always best to follow up :)