How Long Does a Root Canal Hurt? What's Normal and When to Call a Dentist in Tukwila
At West Valley Dental, our clinical team performs and restores root canal–treated teeth regularly, and we hear the same worry all the time: "How long after a root canal does it hurt?" Here's the straight answer up front: most people feel mild to moderate soreness for a few days, and it should trend better each day. Tenderness with biting can linger up to a week (sometimes a bit longer), especially if the tooth was very infected or inflamed. Severe pain, swelling, fever, or pain that gets worse after the first couple of days is not normal, and that's when you should call a dentist in Tukwila.
What to Expect After a Root Canal
A root canal removes infected or irritated tissue inside the tooth. After treatment, the tooth and the tissue around it need time to calm down. That short healing window is why post root canal discomfort can happen even when the nerve has been removed.
Immediate Post-Treatment Sensations
Right after your appointment (and once the numbness wears off), you may notice:
- Soreness or achy feelings around the tooth
- Tooth sensitivity when you bite down or tap the tooth
- A "bruised" feeling in the jaw or gum near the tooth
- Mild swelling or tenderness in the area
This is usually part of a normal root canal healing process. It's common to feel more discomfort later the same day as the anesthetic fades.
Common Causes of Root Canal Pain
Even though the nerve inside the tooth is treated, several things can still trigger pain after root canal treatment:
- Inflammation in the ligament around the tooth root (this is a very common cause of tenderness when biting)
- The tooth and gum tissue were already infected and irritated before treatment
- The tooth is sitting a little "high" and takes extra force when you bite (your dentist can adjust this)
- Normal irritation from cleaning and shaping the canals
- Temporary pressure pain from healing tissue changes
Most of these causes improve with time and proper care.
Normal Healing Timeline
Think of healing like a root canal pain timeline: it should steadily move in the right direction. You might not feel perfect right away, but you should notice gradual improvement.
How Long Should the Pain Last?
How long pain lasts depends on how inflamed or infected the tooth was before treatment, your bite, and whether you're waiting on a final crown or permanent filling.
First 24 to 48 Hours
This is usually the peak window for soreness. Common experiences include:
- A dull ache or tenderness
- Mild throbbing pain after root canal treatment
- Sensitivity when chewing on that side
Many people do well with over-the-counter pain relief and avoiding chewing on the tooth.
Days 3–7: Managing Lingering Discomfort
By this point, pain should be noticeably better. You may still have:
- Tenderness when biting
- A mild "tight" feeling in the jaw
- Sensitivity if you chew harder foods
This is often just lingering inflammation around the root. If the pain is slowly improving, that's reassuring.
When Pain Should Subside Completely
Most people feel close to normal within a week. Sometimes, lingering pain after root canal can last longer, especially if there was a deep infection, swelling, or the tooth needed extra work. Even then, it should still be improving week to week.
If you're still having significant pain past a week, or you can't chew comfortably after the first several days, it's smart to have the tooth checked.
What's Considered Normal vs. a Problem?
A root canal should relieve the deep "hot" toothache caused by an infected nerve. Afterward, you may still feel soreness from healing tissues. The key is the pattern: normal pain improves; problem pain often worsens or comes with other symptoms.
Signs of Normal Post-Procedure Pain
These symptoms are usually normal, especially in the first few days:
- Mild to moderate soreness
- Tenderness when biting or tapping
- Gum tenderness near the tooth
- Sensitivity that fades with time
- Mild jaw pain after root canal treatment (from holding your mouth open)
If you can manage the discomfort and it's getting better day by day, you're likely in the normal range.
Red Flags That May Indicate a Complication
Call a dentist promptly if you notice:
- Severe or increasing pain after the first couple of days
- Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
- A pimple-like bump on the gum (possible draining infection)
- Fever, chills, or feeling sick
- A bad taste or pus-like drainage
- Pain that wakes you up, or pain that doesn't respond to medication
- Trouble swallowing or breathing (seek urgent care immediately)
These can point to infection, a bite issue, or another root canal complication that needs attention.
When to Call a Dentist in Tukwila
If you're unsure, it's always okay to check in. It's better to catch a small issue early than let it build into a bigger problem.
Symptoms That Require Immediate Attention
Reach out right away if you have:
- New or worsening swelling
- Severe throbbing pain after root canal treatment
- Fever
- A spreading sense of pressure in the face or jaw
- Pain that suddenly spikes after improving
In Tukwila, don't wait through a weekend if symptoms are escalating. Dental emergencies can move quickly.
Risk of Infection or Treatment Failure
Root canals are very successful, but no procedure is perfect. Pain that doesn't improve could be linked to:
- Remaining bacteria or a hidden canal
- A crack in the tooth
- A delayed or missing final restoration (like a crown) that lets bacteria leak back in
- A bite that's putting too much force on the treated tooth
A quick exam and an X-ray often clarify what's going on and what the next step should be.
How to Manage Pain After a Root Canal
Your goal is to reduce inflammation, protect the tooth while it heals, and avoid triggers that make the area sore.
Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Relief
These simple steps help many patients:
- Use OTC pain relievers as directed on the label (ask your dentist if you have medical conditions or take other meds)
- Cold compress on the outside of the cheek for short periods if you have swelling or soreness
- Avoid chewing on the treated side for a few days, especially hard or sticky foods
- Eat softer foods and take smaller bites
- Keep up gentle brushing and flossing (don't skip hygiene, healing gums need a clean environment)
- If the tooth feels "high" when you bite, stop chewing on it and call your dentist, an adjustment can make a big difference
These steps support a smoother root canal recovery time and can reduce pressure pain.
What Your Dentist May Prescribe
Depending on your symptoms, your dentist might recommend:
- A stronger anti-inflammatory pain medication
- An antibiotic (only when there are signs of infection; it's not always needed)
- A bite adjustment if the tooth is hitting first
- A follow-up evaluation if pain is persistent
The right plan depends on what's causing the discomfort, not just how intense it feels.
Preventing Complications After Your Root Canal
A root canal is only part of the full fix. Protecting the tooth afterward matters just as much for comfort and long-term success.
Follow-Up Appointments
If your dentist recommends a follow-up, keep it. Also, don't delay your final restoration. Many root canal–treated teeth need a crown to prevent cracks and reinfection. Waiting too long can increase the risk of root canal symptoms coming back.
Oral Hygiene Tips for Faster Healing
Good daily care lowers irritation and helps tissues settle:
- Brush gently twice a day
- Floss daily, especially around the treated tooth
- Rinse with warm salt water if the gum feels sore
- Avoid chewing ice or hard foods on that side until the tooth is fully restored
If you're in Tukwila and you're not sure whether what you're feeling is normal, pay attention to the trend. Mild soreness that improves is expected. Pain that worsens, swells, or comes with fever isn't.
Get Help When You Need It
If you're experiencing persistent pain or any warning signs after a root canal, don't hesitate to contact West Valley Dental. We can evaluate your symptoms, check the healing progress, and make any adjustments needed to get you comfortable again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Pain
Is it normal to have throbbing pain 3 days after a root canal?
Mild throbbing during the first few days can be normal, especially if the tooth was severely infected before treatment. However, by day 3, the pain should be noticeably less intense than it was immediately after the procedure. If throbbing is severe, getting worse instead of better, or accompanied by swelling or fever, contact your dentist. Persistent or worsening throbbing often indicates inflammation that needs attention or a possible complication requiring evaluation.
Can I take ibuprofen and Tylenol together for root canal pain?
Many dentists recommend alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol) for better pain control after a root canal, as they work through different mechanisms. A common approach is taking ibuprofen every 6 hours and acetaminophen every 6 hours, offset by 3 hours. However, always follow your dentist's specific instructions and verify this approach is safe given your medical history and other medications. Never exceed the maximum daily dose for either medication.
Why does my root canal hurt when I bite down?
Biting pain after a root canal is very common and usually caused by inflammation in the periodontal ligament (the tissue connecting your tooth to the bone). This ligament becomes irritated during the procedure and needs time to heal. Pain when biting typically improves within a week. If the tooth feels "high" when you bite (hitting before other teeth), or if biting pain persists beyond 7-10 days, contact your dentist for a bite adjustment or evaluation.
How long should I wait to eat after a root canal?
Wait until the numbness completely wears off before eating, usually 2-3 hours after your appointment. Eating while numb risks biting your cheek, tongue, or lips. Once sensation returns, stick to soft foods for the first 24-48 hours and chew on the opposite side. Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy foods until your tooth is less sensitive and you've received your final restoration. Your dentist will provide specific dietary guidelines based on your treatment.
Can a root canal infection come back?
While root canals have a high success rate (85-97%), reinfection can occur if bacteria re-enter the tooth. Common causes include: a delayed or missing permanent restoration (allowing bacterial leakage), a crack in the tooth, incomplete removal of infected tissue, or a hidden canal that wasn't treated. This is why getting your permanent crown or filling promptly is crucial. If you experience renewed pain, swelling, or a bump on your gum weeks or months after treatment, contact your dentist for evaluation, these may indicate reinfection requiring retreatment.
