What should I do if my tooth that has had root canal treatment hurts? In the first days after treatment there may be mild aching in the tooth and sensitivity when biting, and this often fades with time. However, if the pain keeps increasing, lasts longer than a few days, or comes with swelling and fever, contact the dentist who did the root canal treatment without losing time.
When mild aching after treatment is normal
A mild and fading ache after treatment can be part of the healing of the tissues around the tooth. The tooth can stay sensitive for a few days because it was worked on during treatment.
- Mild sensitivity when biting
- An ache that fades as the days pass
- No swelling, fever or pus
If this picture applies to you, waiting as the dentist recommends is often enough. We described how the treatment is done in our article how is root canal treatment done.
Possible reasons why the pain continues
If the pain lasts longer than a few days, its cause should be investigated with an examination. The possible causes are these:
- The biting height of the filling or crown being too high
- A part of the canal not being fully cleaned or not being filled sufficiently
- Inflammation continuing around the tooth root
- A crack or fracture in the tooth
- The pain coming from a neighbouring tooth or from another source such as the jaw joint
The dentist determines the cause with an X-ray and an examination; getting by continuously on painkillers does not solve the problem.
Warning signs such as swelling and fever
Swelling in the face or gum, fever and pus can point to growing inflammation and should not be left waiting. With these signs, reach the dentist the same day.
If the swelling grows very quickly and makes swallowing or breathing difficult, go to emergency health services. You can read in which situations root canal treatment is needed in the article in which situations is root canal treatment needed.
When antibiotics are needed
Antibiotics are not needed in every root canal treatment; the dentist decides by looking at findings such as swelling, fever or a spreading infection. An antibiotic on its own does not solve the problem inside the tooth, because the real work is cleaning the canal.
For this reason, do not take antibiotics on your own and do not reuse an old prescription.
When bleeding is considered an emergency
Mild bleeding can occur after treatment, but if the bleeding does not stop or is very heavy, contact the dentist. Applying pressure with a clean piece of gauze is the first step.
Treatment during pregnancy and menstruation
Pregnancy and menstruation do not have to be an obstacle to root canal treatment, but they should be discussed with the dentist. Be sure to tell the dentist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; the medication and anaesthesia plan is made accordingly. Because untreated pain and infection can grow into a bigger problem, postponing is often not the answer.
Check-up appointment and options for retreatment
If the pain continues, make a check-up appointment; the dentist assesses the situation with an X-ray. If needed, the root canal treatment can be repeated or different options are discussed.
If you cannot reach the dentist who did the treatment, you can contact OPC Klinik through our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my tooth that has had root canal treatment hurts?
A mild and fading ache can be normal. If the pain is increasing or lasts a long time, contact the dentist who did the treatment.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
The treatment is done under local anaesthesia. Mild sensitivity may occur after the procedure and it generally fades with time.
What is done if swelling occurs after root canal treatment?
Swelling can be a sign of inflammation; reach the dentist the same day. If it grows quickly and makes swallowing difficult, go to emergency health services.
Are antibiotics needed in root canal treatment?
Not always. The dentist decides according to the findings; an antibiotic on its own does not replace the treatment.
Is bleeding after root canal treatment normal?
Mild bleeding can occur. If the bleeding does not stop or is heavy, contact the dentist.
