I had a root canal 4 months ago. every once in a while, my tooth becomes very painful and the pain radiates into my ear. is this normal?

Abnormal: Within a week or so of a successful root canal the tooth should feel perfectly normal. If not, the tooth may be fractured or the root canal unsuccessful or a different problem with the same tooth (periodontal disease). Best to get the tooth re-evaluated as the problem will not go away on its own.

See your dentist: Some pain and swelling after a root canal is normal. However, if you are still experiencing a tooth ache for longer than a few days, you should contact your dentist for evaluation and re-treatment if needed. Good luck.

Re-evaluation: Have the dentist who completed the RCT re-evaluate the tooth. There may be a residual abscess.

Not normal: Pain is never normal. Please revise your Dentist. Evaluation by an Endodontist may be in order.