Pain after a root canal
Mild soreness for a few days is normal. Pain that lasts for weeks, keeps getting worse, or comes with swelling needs to be checked.
What is normal
It is normal to have mild to moderate discomfort after a root canal, especially when chewing. This comes from the healing response at the root ends and where the injection was given.
- Take the painkillers your dentist prescribed, as advised.
- Eat softer food for the first few days and avoid very hot food.
- Keep brushing and flossing as usual.
Depending on how infected the tooth was before treatment, healing can take several weeks, and sometimes longer.
When to get it checked
- Swelling of the face or gum, or a fever
- Pain that gets worse after the first few days instead of better
- Sharp pain every time you bite
- Pain that comes back after it had settled
Common causes include a canal that was missed, infection that was not fully cleared, a crack in the tooth, or a filling that sits too high when you bite.
If Dr. Vinod treated your tooth, call the clinic on 080 4113 1161. If the treatment was done elsewhere, send us your details for a second opinion.
Get it checked
Send your details and X-rays on WhatsApp. The clinic will get back to you.