Pain After Root Canal? What’s Normal & When to Call Us

Reviewed by Dr. Gary Morris, DDS

Reading time: five minutes.

You recently had a root canal, and now your tooth is aching. You may be asking yourself whether the pain is a normal part of healing or a sign that something is wrong. The answer depends on the type, intensity, and duration of your symptoms. 

Root canal treatment often relieves deep tooth pain and prevents future infection, but the healing period can involve a few days of soreness.

In this blog, we explain what to expect after a root canal, what’s normal and when to be concerned. 

Normal Pain After Root Canal Treatment

Most post-procedure pain comes from tissue inflammation, not from the tooth itself. During a root canal, the endodontist removes the pulp, which is the infected or inflamed nerve tissue inside the tooth. 

After the pulp is removed, the tooth’s interior is cleaned, shaped, and sealed. Although the nerve is no longer present, the surrounding tissues, such as the periodontal ligament and bone can still respond to the procedure.

Here is what most patients feel during recovery:

• Tenderness when biting: The treated tooth may feel sensitive to pressure for a few days.
• Mild swelling in the area: Inflammation around the root is a normal part of the healing process.
• A dull ache or mild throbbing: This discomfort often fades within a week and is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.

These symptoms usually peak within 48 hours and improve steadily. If your tooth was severely infected before treatment, healing might take longer, but you should still notice gradual progress each day.

What Causes Discomfort After a Root Canal?

Pain does not always indicate a problem, but understanding the reason behind it helps you know what to expect and when to take action. Several factors can influence how your mouth feels after a root canal:

1. Inflammation from treatment: The cleaning and filling process can irritate surrounding tissues. Your body responds with inflammation as part of the natural healing response.
2. Pressure from your bite: If the temporary filling or permanent crown is too high, it may cause pain when you bite or chew. This discomfort is usually sharp and located in a specific spot.
3. Temporary filling materials: Some teeth are covered with temporary fillings before a final restoration. These materials may not fit as comfortably as a crown, which can cause mild irritation.
4. Irritant exposure: Occasionally, disinfecting solutions used during the procedure may leak slightly into nearby tissues, causing temporary inflammation.
5. Jaw muscle fatigue: Long appointments may lead to soreness in the jaw or face, especially if your mouth was open for an extended time.

When Pain After a Root Canal Is a Red Flag

Pain that persists or worsens after the typical healing period should be evaluated. Most root canals are highly successful, but complications can happen. Delayed or increasing pain may suggest:

• Residual infection: If bacteria remain in the canal or re-enter the tooth later, the infection may persist.
• Missed canal: Teeth often have more complex anatomy than expected. If a canal is missed during treatment, it may continue to cause pain.
• Cracked root or fractured crown: Structural damage can allow bacteria inside the tooth or stress surrounding tissues.
• Faulty seal or restoration: If the filling or crown does not completely seal the tooth, bacteria may leak in and create new problems.

Pay attention to these warning signs:

• Pain that gets worse after the third day
• Ongoing swelling or pulsating pressure in the area
• Spreading sensitivity to other teeth
• Bad taste or odor near the treated tooth
• Fever, fatigue, or general illness

If your symptoms match any of these, do not wait. Call us so we can identify the cause and take action.

How Our Endodontist Evaluates Post-Root Canal Pain

At Morris Dental Solutions, Dr. Rosenbaum carefully examines each case using precise diagnostics. If you report ongoing pain, he will:

• Take digital X-rays to check for hidden infection, bone changes, or cracks
• Examine your bite to rule out excess pressure from the restoration
• Evaluate neighboring teeth to ensure the pain is not referred from another area
• Inspect the temporary or permanent filling to confirm it is properly sealed

Depending on what we find, the next steps may include:

• Adjusting the bite to relieve pressure
• Replacing the filling or crown if it is causing irritation
• Prescribing antibiotics if infection is present
• Performing retreatment or surgical endodontic care if needed

Our goal is to relieve your pain and preserve your natural tooth whenever possible, using the least invasive approach.

At-Home Pain Relief and Healing Tips

You can support your healing with a few simple habits. If your pain is mild and improving, try these home care tips:

• Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosing and do not exceed the recommended daily limit. 
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes during the first two days to control swelling.
• Avoid chewing on the treated side until your final restoration is placed to prevent irritation or damage.
• Brush and floss carefully around the area, keeping it clean without applying pressure.
• Eat soft, non-irritating foods and stay hydrated to support your recovery.

These steps promote healing and help reduce unnecessary strain on the treated tooth. For more ways to manage pain, read our related post: How to Stop Throbbing Pain After a Root Canal.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are dealing with tooth pain or have concerns about a recent procedure, a consultation with an endodontist can help clarify what is going on. Endodontists focus on diagnosing and treating problems inside the tooth and are trained to manage complex cases that may go beyond routine dental care.

At Morris Dental Solutions, Dr. Rosenbaum offers expert evaluation and treatment planning to help you move forward with confidence, whether you need a first-time root canal, retreatment, or just a second opinion.

To schedule a consultation at our dental office in Buffalo Grove, IL, call (847) 215-1511 or visit us at 195 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 160, Buffalo Grove, IL.

FAQs About Pain After a Root Canal