I recently had a root canal done, but the tooth is still hurting and I’m starting to worry. I expected the pain to go away completely after the procedure, but I’m still feeling soreness, pressure and occasional sensitivity. Is this normal and how long should the discomfort last?
It’s actually quite common to experience mild to moderate pain for a few days after a root canal and in most cases, this is part of the normal healing process. The tissues around the tooth may be inflamed from the infection, drilling or cleaning, causing temporary discomfort when chewing, touching the tooth or even accidentally biting down. However, persistent or worsening pain may suggest issues such as residual infection, high bite pressure, inflammation of the surrounding ligament or a missed canal (which can occur in more complex tooth structures). This is where timely review becomes essential. At Ashford Dental Centre, dentists use advanced imaging, precise instrumentation and careful follow-up assessments to ensure the tooth heals properly and any lingering discomfort is addressed quickly. If needed, they can adjust the bite, re-medicate the tooth or provide additional treatment to relieve pain and protect the tooth from further complications. If your pain continues for more than a week, increases instead of improving or is accompanied by swelling or fever, scheduling an urgent review at Ashford Dental Centre is the safest next step.