Root canal treatment has a reputation for being unpleasant, but the goal is to remove infection and save a tooth that would otherwise need extraction. While the tooth can feel sensitive after treatment, knowing what to expect helps you distinguish normal healing from a problem.
What to Expect After Treatment
It's completely normal for the treated tooth to feel tender for several days to a couple of weeks after treatment. The surrounding bone was inflamed or infected, and your body needs time to heal around the root tip. The tooth may also feel different when biting — slightly tender or high — as you adjust. Pain that gradually decreases day by day is normal.
When It Might Be a Problem
If pain is severe, increasing rather than decreasing after the first few days, or if you notice swelling in the gum or face near the treated tooth, there may be an issue. Common causes include:
A missed canal — molars can have three or four canals, and it's possible to miss a narrow one that still contains infected tissue. This would cause persistent or worsening pain after treatment.
A crack in the root can occur during treatment or be pre-existing. A cracked root typically causes pain on biting and doesn't settle.
A high bite — if the temporary or permanent filling is too high, the tooth takes excessive force when chewing and becomes sore.
Incomplete removal of the nerve tissue or remaining bacteria in the canal system can also cause ongoing symptoms.
What to Do
Contact us if pain worsens after the first few days, if swelling develops, or if biting pressure remains uncomfortable after two weeks. We can take an X-ray to assess healing around the root tip and check whether the bite needs adjustment. Early review prevents more significant problems.
If any of this sounds familiar, book an assessment with us. The sooner we take a look, the simpler the treatment is likely to be. Call the practice on 01323 723757 or book online at www.meadsdental.com.