Question 1

My tooth still hurts after the root canal. Is this normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is normal. Every tooth is different, and every patient is different. Some patients will have no pain following the procedure, and some patients will have a lot of pain following the procedure. It can take 4-5 days to notice any improvement in symptoms. Your tooth may even feel worse after the procedure for a few days before starting to improve. If you are having aching or throbbing pain, this usually will start to improve after 4-5 days. If you are having pain to biting and chewing, this will usually improve after 10-14 days.

Question 2

Is it normal to feel like I have a hole in my tooth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We made a hole in your tooth to access the root canal system. We placed a temporary filling, and we leave it lower than the rest of your tooth on purpose. It may feel to your tongue like the filling has fallen out, but it is rare for the filling to fall out if you have followed our post- operative instructions.

Question 3

Is it normal to have swelling in my face or in the gum tissue around my tooth?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is also normal. If you have a lot of swelling, please call our office. We may need to prescribe additional medication to help reduce the swelling.

Question 4

How long will I be numb after the root canal?

Accepted Answer

Usually, patients will start to regain feeling in the area about 2-3 hours after the root canal procedure. However, it is normal to be numb for up to eight hours afterward.

Question 5

Do I need a crown after the root canal?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which tooth was treated and if the tooth already has a crown. Most teeth will need a crown unless the tooth already has a crown. If your tooth has a crown on it, most of the time it will not need a new one. Your general dentist will advise you on the proper restoration for the tooth when you return to their office after the root canal.

Question 6

How long should I wait before seeing my general dentist?

Accepted Answer

There is no waiting period before seeing your general dentist. You should call their office for an appointment right away.

Question 7

Can I brush and floss?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please brush and floss your teeth. Be gentle in the area where the temporary filling was placed.

Question 8

Is it normal for my tooth to hurt when I press on it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is normal. Your tooth has a small ligament that attaches it to your jaw bone. This ligament will become inflamed after the root canal procedure. When you press on your tooth, you are pressing it up against this ligament, which will cause pain. The more you press the tooth against the ligament, the longer that ligament will remain inflamed.

Question 9

I was told my tooth has a crack in it, is it normal to still have pain when I press on it or bite on certain foods?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is normal for a cracked tooth. You should be able to eat most foods comfortably, but chewing on certain things in certain directions will result in pain in a cracked tooth, and this is normal.

Helpful Insights for Your Dental and Root Canal Care