What to expect if you have a root canal?

It depends: Having a root canal done is not the terror inducing procedure everyone thinks it is. It all depends on why you are having the root canal done. If your nerve is dead, then you should experience no or little pain. If the nerve in the tooth is alive and is inflamed, then you may experience a moderate amount of pain. However, with anesthesia, you should not feel anything during the procedure itself.

Usually nothing: You should expect that your dentist can get your tooth profoundly numb and do the work to make it better in the future. Rarely you will require prescription pain meds after. You will probably need antibiotics and nsaids like advil (ibuprofen). There is always the possibility of complications, but most people are surprised how much easier the process is than they were expecting.

Relax: Most root canals are virtually painless. The worst pain is if you have a toothache prior to the root canal, in which case the root canal will help you feel better. The procedure usually requires 2-3 minutes of drilling on the tooth, followed by shaping of the canals with small files and then the root canal filling is placed. When the procedure is over, most people feel just fine.

Mild soreness: Root canal treatment may cause an inflammatory response. This response includes slight swelling of the ligaments that support the tooth. If the tooth is returned to function "chewing" too soon these stretched ligaments will cause pain. Mild analgesics such as advil, (ibuprofen) if not medically contraindicated may ease the discomfort. Occasionally bite adjustment is needed too. If pain lingers see your dds.

Nothing to something: Root canal post op varies from nothing meaning no pain or discomfort to some discomfort. But nothing major to keep you up at night or away from work. Mostly it will remove your original pain immediately. Sometimes a generalized soreness upon chewing or touching the area is normal for few days after the procedure.

Ask the dentist...: The dentist who performs the root canal procedure best knows the experiences of his/her patients. Your answer can then be more specific. In general i would expect your jaw muscles to be sore from being open for a period of time. I would expect some mild soreness perhaps for a few days. I would also expect that the tooth may well be recommended for a crown to protect it.