Expert: Gary Backlund, DMD, MSD - 12/12/2009

Question
I have just had root canal treatment,( which was the most painful experience of my life )intense pain in my tooth and ear. Throughout the whole procedure I was in constant extreme pain each time the dentist cleaned out the tooth.The tooth was the closed even though the pain hadn't gone. Two days later I'm still in pain although not quite as intense.Is this normal,will the pain eventually disapear.
Regards

Answer
Hi Sandra,

I'm sorry you're going through all this. Pain during and after a root canal is never normal. In our office, we usually see a little tenderness, needing maybe an aspirin or nothing for a day or two after treatment. I would suggest that you call your dentist, explain what you are feeling and ask for advice. It may be that your tooth is infected and you need to be on antibiotics or at least they could get you some pain medication until the area heals. Ultimately, the pain will go away.....it's just getting you comfortable and over this hump that's important.

Hope this helps.

Gary Backlund DMD, MSD