Tooth Pain After Root Canal

Root canal treatment is used when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the root canal, is inflamed or infected. Causes can include deep decay, repeated dental procedures, a crack or chip, or an injury.

A tooth may continue to feel slightly different from other teeth for some time after treatment.

Discomfort after treatment can be relieved with over-the-counter or prescription medicines. If pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, call your dentist.

Pulp inflammation or infection can cause pain or lead to an abscess if left untreated.

The dentist examines the tooth and takes a radiograph. Root canal treatment uses local anaesthetic and a protective rubber dam while the infected pulp is accessed, cleaned, shaped, and filled.

A radiograph is taken as part of examining the tooth.

The dentist removes inflamed or infected pulp, cleans and shapes the canal, then fills and seals it. A large filling or crown may be needed to protect the remaining tooth and restore function.

A filling or crown may protect the remaining tooth and restore function.

A crown may be needed when the tooth was badly infected. Follow-up treatment and the final filling or crown protect the remaining tooth.

The treatment may take two or more appointments, with appointments lasting one to two hours or sometimes longer.

The treated tooth may feel slightly different from other teeth for some time. There may be no symptoms in some cases, while routine radiographs can show changes.

Call the dentist when pain is severe or lasts more than a few days.

Severe pain or pain lasting more than a few days is a reason to call your dentist.