What could cause pain in a root canal-treated tooth?

Question

Hi doctor,

I had a root canal done a month ago. It stopped hurting after treatment and started hurting again about a week ago. I have antibiotics that I started last night. What else should I do?

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

I have a few questions. Please answer them for a better understanding.

Is the root canal procedure complete, or is it still ongoing?
Has the cap or crown on the RCT (root canal treatment) treated tooth been placed or not?

Sometimes, root canal tooth pains when it is still going on, but if the procedure has already been completed, then there is no chance for it to hurt, and if it is still hurting, then maybe that is not a successful root canal, or infection is so much so that the tooth will have to be extracted for good.

For now, take the antibiotics and painkillers that your dentist might have prescribed you and rinse your mouth four to five times back to back with warm saline water. Have a dentist appointment again and discuss your problem. An X-ray would probably be taken, and that will help to know the actual problem. Kindly send a picture of the X-ray here for more details and information.

I hope this helps.

Revert in case of queries.

Kind regards.