Tooth Pain After Root Canal
Pain after root canal treatment can include sensitivity for the first few days.
[3][5]The short answer
After root canal treatment, a tooth may feel sensitive for the first few days, especially when pain or infection was present before the procedure. The tooth may continue to feel slightly different from other teeth for some time.
[3][5]
What does pain after root canal feel like?
What can cause 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.
[4][5]What relief is safe tonight?
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.
[5]Pulp inflammation or infection can cause pain or lead to an abscess if left untreated.
[5]How does a dentist find the cause?
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.
[4]A radiograph is taken as part of examining the tooth.
[4]How is pain after root canal treated?
How can you protect the treated tooth?
When should you seek urgent advice?
Severe pain or pain lasting more than a few days is a reason to call your dentist.
[5]Frequently asked questions
Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.