A member asked:

Why does my jaw hurt two weeks after a root canal?

10 doctors weighed in across 9 answers

Root canal jaw pain: Your jaw may hurt from the surgical root canal procedure, or from an infection or abscess. Pain is uncommon after a few days. Since it's been longer, you should return to see the dentist who did the root canal and determine if there's a problem. You may need to see an endodontist in consultation. You may require treatment with antibiotics, or an incision and drainage procedure. Good luck!

Answered 3/24/2015

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It should not: A residual ache two weeks after the completion of a properly done root canal is not normal. Have it reevaluated asap.

Answered 3/24/2015

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Dr. Kayvon Javid answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Maybe a TMD : Sometimes root canal treatments can be lengthy and so you may have had your mouth open for a long time. This long period of opening places an strain on the temporomandibular joint and maybe the cause of your discomfort, specially if you have had a history of it. This may or may not resolve by itself otherwise see your dentist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Answered 3/24/2015

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Dr. Randolph Todd answered

Specializes in Endodontics

Many possibilities: Root canal treatment can stimulate an inflammatory reaction. This can be bacterially induced, traumatically induced or both. The important question is what is the cause of your current pain. I suggest you return to the doctor that treated you for a detailed exam and diagnosis. Normal inflammation from trauma usually subsides in 7-14 days. Good luck.

Answered 3/24/2015

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Depends: Many possibilities. Is the pain gradually decreasing, or increasing. How does it compare to to your original pain? Return to your dentist and have it looked at. Could need bite adjustment, could be reinfected, could be an adjacent tooth, or many other things.

Answered 3/24/2015

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Dr. Louis Gallia answered

Specializes in Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial

Tooth vs TMJ: Root canals, especially in posterior teeth require the mouth to be stretched wide. Can cause or aggravate TMJ problems. If its the tooth, see the root canal doc. If its your joint, See a TMJ expert. Any dentist can be a TMJ expert with the proper training and experience. Most commonly, oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and orofacial pain specialists. Ask your MD, your dentist and your dental society

Answered 3/24/2015

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Dr. John Thaler answered

Specializes in Prosthodontics

See specialist: Unusual after 2 weeks, but could be length of time of opening for treatment or unresolved healing in root canal treated tooth. See the Dentist who did the root canal. If this brings you no resolution, see the root canal specialist, the Endodontist. Good Luck.

Answered 3/25/2015

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Dr. Theodore Davantzis answered

Specializes in Dentistry

More info needed: Did you have a major infection necessitating the root canal therapy? If so, there may still be a residual infection brewing. Root canal therapy removes the nerves inside the tooth, but the nerves outside the tooth are still subject to inflammation. Call your dentist for a follow up

Answered 3/25/2015

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Dr. Paul Grin answered

Specializes in Pain Management

Not uncommon: Trismus after an inferior alveolar block or root canal treatment isn't that uncommon.

Answered 3/25/2015

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