What is the direct answer?
Root-canal tenderness usually improves over several days, but pain that worsens, persists, or affects your bite needs review.
What does this question mean?
Root-canal treatment removes inflamed pulp from the pulp chamber and canals, cleans and shapes them, then seals the space. The tissues around the root can still be irritated by treatment or by biting pressure while they recover.
What can you do next?
Use the prescribed medicine exactly as directed, chew on the opposite side, and keep the temporary or permanent restoration intact. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, and contact the treating clinic if your bite feels high because a small adjustment may relieve pressure.
When should you seek dental care?
Seek prompt care for facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a bad taste with drainage, or pain that is worsening rather than easing. Contact the dentist if the tooth feels too tall when you close your teeth or if symptoms return after improving.
What should you ask the dentist?
Ask whether the pain is coming from normal inflammation, a high filling, a missed canal, a crack, or infection around the root. Ask what symptoms should trigger an examination and whether the final crown or restoration is due.
Frequently asked questions
Can this have more than one cause?
Root-canal treatment removes inflamed pulp from the pulp chamber and canals, cleans and shapes them, then seals the space. The tissues around the root can still be irritated by treatment or by biting pressure while they recover.
What should I do first?
Use the prescribed medicine exactly as directed, chew on the opposite side, and keep the temporary or permanent restoration intact. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, and contact the treating clinic if your bite feels high because a small adjustment may relieve pressure.

