“Can a tooth hurt after a root canal?”
I had a root canal last week and my tooth still hurts. Why does my tooth still hurt after a root canal was done? What should I do?
6 Answers
Go see your dentist.
It is not unusual for a tooth to be a little sore or tender a week after a root canal. This usually goes away, but if it lasts more than a few weeks, you should visit your dentist and have it checked out.
Yes, a tooth may hurt after treatment. Not unusual for a few short days that a little ibuprofen or acetaminophen can't handle. More than that, then a trip to the dentist to evaluate it. It often is the bite being too high. Simple enough for your dentist to adjust. Sometimes food is banging into the gums between the teeth; a deep cleaning in there and restoring should help. It might be another tooth, again, your dentist should check it out. If it is the same tooth that was treated, then perhaps a trip to an endodontist for a second opinion...maybe an extra canal or fracture.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Yes, after a root canal, it is normal for the tooth to be sore for a few weeks. If you have no contraindication to taking ibuprofen, take 600mg Ibuprofen 6 hrs for 2 days. Also, make sure you get your permanent restoration with your dentist. If discomfort persists, see your dentist or a root canal specialist.
It is normal to have discomfort to touch or bite for many days even more than a week or so after root canal treatment. If it persists longer, please return to your dentist to evaluate. Sometimes the bite on the tooth is too high and it creates more pressure than the tooth can tolerate. This can typically be resolved easily if this is the case.
Brett E. Gilbert, D.D.S.
Brett E. Gilbert, D.D.S.
The most common postoperative symptom after a root canal is tenderness for a few days. Although the nerve of the tooth has been removed, the bone and ligaments surrounding the tooth are very innervated. Ibuprofen and Tylenol are generally sufficient to manage your symptoms. If the pain persists more than a few days, you should set a follow up appointment with your dentist. A "flare up" can occur 48-72 hours after treatment and can require antibiotic therapy.
Often, the issue can be as simple as removing excess temporary material from where your dentist accessed the root canal.
Additionally, a missed canal can cause a lot of symptoms. A 3D x-ray can help rule this out.
Often, the issue can be as simple as removing excess temporary material from where your dentist accessed the root canal.
Additionally, a missed canal can cause a lot of symptoms. A 3D x-ray can help rule this out.
