Pain After Root Canal: What’s Normal and When to Be Concerned

A root canal is a common dental procedure designed to save a damaged or infected tooth. While it’s often associated with pain, the truth is that the treatment itself relieves the pain caused by infection or inflammation. However, some discomfort after a root canal is normal. Understanding what kind of pain to expect — and when it signals a problem — can help you manage recovery more confidently.

Why You Might Feel Pain After a Root Canal

After a root canal, the infected pulp (the soft tissue inside your tooth) is removed, and the canals are cleaned and sealed. While the source of infection is gone, your body still needs time to heal. This can result in mild to moderate discomfort, especially in the first few days following treatment.

Here are a few common reasons for post-root canal pain.

Inflammation

The procedure involves working deep within the tooth and its surrounding tissues. Even with expert care, this manipulation can cause temporary inflammation. The surrounding ligaments and nerves may remain irritated for a short time, especially if the tooth was severely infected before treatment.

Tenderness

The treated tooth and surrounding area may feel tender when you chew or touch it. This is especially true if the tooth was sore before the root canal. In most cases, tenderness gradually fades over a few days.

High Bite

If the permanent filling or crown is slightly higher than your natural bite, it may cause discomfort every time you close your mouth. This can be easily adjusted by your dentist and should be addressed promptly to avoid unnecessary pressure and pain.

What’s Normal?

Here is a common experience after having a root canal.

• Mild to moderate soreness for 1 to 3 days.
• Sensitivity when chewing.
• Slight swelling in the area (especially if the infection was severe).

These symptoms usually respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Your dentist may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics if needed.

When Pain is Not Normal

If your pain worsens after a few days instead of improving, or if you experience any of the following, it may be a sign of a complication:

• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to medication.
• Swelling that increases over time.
• A return of throbbing pain similar to your original symptoms.
• Pus or discharge from the area.
• Fever or general malaise.

These symptoms could indicate an infection that wasn’t fully eliminated, a missed canal, or a crack in the tooth. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of these signs.

Managing Your Recovery

To support healing after a root canal:

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your dentist places a crown.
• Follow all care instructions, including completing antibiotics if prescribed.
• Practice good oral hygiene.
• Keep all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

Some pain after a root canal is normal and usually nothing to worry about. It’s part of your body’s natural healing process. However, intense or worsening pain is a red flag. If you’re concerned about lingering discomfort, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. Prompt care can prevent complications and ensure your tooth stays healthy for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Carroll R. Butler has more than 28 years of experience in the dental field and has served the Kerrville community since 1997. He is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center Dental School at San Antonio and completed a one-year dental residency program at Travis AFB in California. Today, Dr. Butler is a proud Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, as well as a current member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. If you’re looking to preserve a damaged tooth with a root canal, schedule an appointment online or call us at (830) 257-4900.