Is it normal for the side of your face to swell up the day after your root canal is retreated?

It happens: The root canal was being retreated because it was failing. A subclinical abscess may now be clinical. Please call your dentist... an antibiotic appears to be needed.

Normal? NO!: This is most likely a result of an infection that requires an immediate evaluation and treatment. Call the dentist who treated you for advice. If the swelling continues, you have fever or any other unusual symptoms and your dentist is not available, go to a 24/7 medical facility or the ER of a hospital.

Not uncommon: Swelling is common after a root canal or other dental surgeries up to 7 days. If swelling continues for more than 7 days or gets progressively worse, contact your dentist for evaluation.

It can happen: You may be experiencing what's called a flare-up. It happens up to 13% of the time following root canal. They are more common with retreatment root canals and teeth that have larger areas of inflammation around the root tip. There can be an exaggerated immune response to debris or bacteria at the root tip. You may require further cleaning of the root canal or an antibiotic if you are febrile.