You’ve finally faced the fear and gotten a root canal. Now what? How long will you deal with the discomfort?
A root canal is a routine dental procedure, often mistaken for something far more intense than it really is. While it’s similar to getting a cavity filled, the root canal has unfairly earned a reputation as a long, painful experience.
In reality, thanks to local anesthesia, the procedure itself is virtually painless, and any discomfort you might feel afterward can usually be handled with simple over-the-counter pain relievers.
Wish to know how long does pain last after a root canal?
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect.
What are the Normal Pain Symptoms After a Root Canal?
- Pain or sensitivity when biting or chewing: Your dentist may provide pain medication to help ease discomfort during recovery.
- Sensitivity to hot or cold: It’s common to experience heightened sensitivity to temperature after the procedure.
- Gum pain: The surrounding tissues may feel irritated due to the dental work.
- Discomfort from a temporary filling: This can affect your bite, but it will be replaced with a permanent filling in a few days.
- Pressure or Aching: You may notice a lingering sensation of pressure or aching around the treated tooth, particularly in the first 24-48 hours.
How Long Does the Pain Last After a Root Canal?
Immediate Post-Procedure (First 24 Hours)
Pain Level: Mild to moderate pain is typical.
Type of Pain: You may feel pressure, pain, or numbness depending on the complexity of the procedure and the tooth’s condition.
First Few Days (24-72 Hours Post-Procedure)
Pain Level: Expect mild to moderate pain that should gradually lessen over time.
Type of Pain: Similar to the first day but likely reduced in intensity.
One Week Post-Procedure
Pain Level: By this point, the pain should be minimal, with only mild discomfort remaining.
Type of Pain: Pain will have significantly diminished, and any lingering discomfort should be very mild.
Beyond One Week
Pain Level: Pain should be completely gone.
Type of Pain: Any remaining sensitivity or discomfort will be minimal.
Tooth Pain a Month After a Root Canal
It’s unusual to experience severe pain a month after a root canal. If you do, contact your dentist, as it may indicate an underlying issue.
Pain in Root Canal After a Year
Experiencing pain after a year is not normal. It could be due to new decay, an infection in a hidden canal, or a failed root canal, so it’s important to see your dentist for an evaluation.
Essentially, how long the pain will last after a root canal can differ based on factors like the complexity of the root canal, your overall health, how well you respond to the treatment, and how you care for the area afterward.
Why Would Your Root Canal Be Hurting More Than Normal?
Infection in the Bone
An infection in the bone surrounding the treated tooth can lead to intense pain after a root canal. This happens if bacteria from the tooth spread to the jawbone, causing swelling, discomfort, and inflammation. In such cases, further treatment, such as antibiotics or additional dental work, may be necessary to resolve the infection.
Infected Root Canal
If the root canal wasn’t fully cleaned or sealed, bacteria might still remain inside, causing persistent or worsening pain. This infection can lead to swelling and discomfort, signaling that the procedure may need to be redone or addressed through further treatment.
Missed Canal
Teeth can have multiple canals, and if one is missed during the procedure, the untreated canal can become infected. This can cause ongoing pain as the bacteria remain active, requiring your dentist to reopen the tooth and treat the missed canal.
Air or Cement Forced Through the Root Tip
During the procedure, air or dental cement can be accidentally pushed through the root tip into the surrounding tissue, causing irritation or pain. This may result in pressure and discomfort until the body naturally absorbs the material or the area heals.
Oversized Crown or Filling
An oversized crown or filling can affect your bite, putting excess pressure on the treated tooth. This can lead to discomfort, sensitivity, or even jaw pain until the crown or filling is adjusted to fit more comfortably.
Signs that Your Pain is Not Normal After a Root Canal
- Severe or worsening pain
- Persistent swelling
- Tooth discoloration
- Pressure or tightness in your tooth
- Developing a fever
- Pus pockets accompanied by discharge
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Swelling in the face, neck, or lymph nodes
Conclusion
If you are experiencing an abnormal amount of pain after your procedure and are confused about how long pain can last after a root canal, visit your dentist straight away so that they can address your discomfort and get you back to feeling your best.
If a tooth becomes re-infected after a root canal, there’s still hope! In many cases, a simple course of antibiotics may do the trick. In more challenging situations, you might require another root canal, extraction, or apicoectomy, which is minor surgery to remove the tip of the tooth’s root.
Root canals can be daunting, but if you’re experiencing any complications post-treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Let’s Get You Smiling Again at ProGrace Dentistry
Say goodbye to your root canal pain and get a smooth procedure with our experienced dental team.
Schedule your appointment today.
FAQs
Is it normal to feel pain a week after a root canal?
Some sensitivity may persist for up to a week, but if the pain intensifies or doesn’t improve, contact your dentist.
What should I do if pain persists after a root canal?
If pain continues beyond 7-10 days, it’s important to schedule a visit with your dentist to assess for complications or additional treatment needs.
