{"id":596,"date":"2025-04-11T23:19:30","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T23:19:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.painesvilledentalgroup.com\/blog\/?p=596"},"modified":"2025-06-02T23:21:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-02T23:21:46","slug":"pain-after-root-canal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.painesvilledentalgroup.com\/blog\/pain-after-root-canal\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Recovering After a Root Canal Hurt?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Root canals<\/a> have a fierce reputation, but it is quite unwarranted. While you have probably seen this procedure portrayed as a miserable ordeal in movies and on television, these depictions are not true to life. The truth is that root canals are completely painless, but you may experience mild soreness for a few days after the procedure. Here\u2019s a brief guide to what you can expect while recovering after receiving a root canal and how to tell if you should call your dentist for help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

How Are Root Canals Performed?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Root canals are used to eliminate severe dental infections and prevent future oral health issues, and they can allow compromised teeth to last much longer than they would otherwise. Your dentist will begin the process by administering a local anesthetic to ensure your comfort before opening the tooth and removing the infected tissue inside. They will then sanitize, fill, and seal the tooth\u2019s inner chamber, and you will probably receive a dental crown afterward to restore your lost dental structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will I Feel Pain After My Root Canal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After the anesthetic wears off, you may notice some mild soreness in the treatment area. This should go away on its own after several days, but you can prevent irritation of the sensitive tooth by avoiding hot, cold, spicy, acidic, or crunchy foods and refraining from chewing around the treated area. It\u2019s also best to be gentle with the tooth when flossing and brushing. Using prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as instructed or applying a cold compress can also help you manage this discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When Should I Contact My Dentist for Help?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your tooth is healing normally after a root canal, you should experience only mild discomfort that gradually fades away on its own. However, pain that persists or gets worse may be a sign of continuing dental infection. Contact your dentist for help if you experience the following symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n