Root Canal Recovery: Understanding Soreness & When to Seek Urgent Care

Root canals have a reputation for being painful—however, modern dentistry has completely flipped the script, and in reality, root canals are designed to relieve pain, rather than cause more of it! Patients who undergo the treatment end up feeling exponentially better afterwards, often only dealing with minor and acute symptoms that don’t last long. That said, what about intense pain: is this ever normal after a root canal? Here’s why you shouldn’t hesitate to contact your emergency dentist if you’re dealing with intense discomfort following your treatment.

Mild Soreness After a Root Canal Is Normal

After a root canal, the tissue around the treated tooth may feel tender for a few days, and this is perfectly normal. It’s your body’s response to having dental work done in an inflamed area, and it’s comparable to the level of soreness you’d feel after getting a filling or having a deep cleaning performed. You might notice discomfort starting to creep in a few hours after your appointment, once the numbing effects have worn off.

You may also feel mild soreness when chewing, sensitivity when eating hot or cold foods, or notice minor swelling in the area. However, these symptoms typically improve each day and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers, cold compresses, and other at-home remedies.

When It’s Best to Contact Your Dentist

It’s important to remember that a root canal should never cause severe, throbbing, or worsening pain—though there are a few (mostly rare) reasons why you may feel more discomfort than expected, and certain situations warrant calling your dentist promptly. If your pain continues to worsen or linger after 48 hours, or is sharp or throbbing, it might mean that the infection has returned, or it could indicate the presence of a fracture or crack in the tooth.   

Your bite might also be slightly too high, or the temporary filling material could be causing issues. Likewise, if you experience pain or difficulty biting down, a bad taste or drainage, or a fever combined with feeling unwell, don’t hesitate to seek treatment. Your dentist can thoroughly explain their findings and review your treatment options with you, and in many cases, it should be a quick and straightforward fix!

Root canals are one of the most effective ways to save a tooth and put a halt to dental pain—so if you’re experiencing intense discomfort following treatment, or have concerns about how you’re healing up, don’t hesitate to call and schedule further care.

About the Practice

Our team here at Arlington Smiles Dental Studio has proudly served the needs of patients and families in Arlington Heights and the surrounding communities for several years under the leadership of Dr. Jeffrey Seredynski. We offer a wide variety of services, including root canal treatment as well as same-day emergency care. If you have any questions about the blog or need to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment, reach out online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (847) 392-2141.