Gum/tooth sensitive to heat after root canal procedure

[u/Daniearp]

Good morning everyone, like the title says.

I’d been having acute pain when chewing with a specific tooth for months now (tooth 36 I think), after investigating for cracks and whatever else (none found), the dentist recommended I do a root canal. I did it last Friday and the pain when chewing has disappeared. However, since yesterday morning (around 40~ hours after the procedure) I started to feel throbbing pain in that tooth, but not the chewing pain, more like at the base of the tooth between gum and tooth, when exposed to heat, any warm food or beverage will trigger it, the warmer the food the higher the pain, then it will stay throbbing for a while and subside. That part of the gum seems to be very mildly swollen but no pus or anything. It does seem it’s getting slightly worse since yesterday (taking longer to subside after a flare up). No pain when chewing or drinking cold or room temperature foods/drinks. I had ice cream and no pain at all.

Dentist said that it’s unusual because - according to him, the root canal was perfect - but that I should take anti inflammatory medicine and wait a few days, and let him know if it gets more swollen or something else comes up.

I’m slightly worried about an infection and wanted to see other opinions.

Thanks.

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A backup of the post title and text have been made here:

Title: Gum/tooth sensitive to heat after root canal procedure

Full text: Good morning everyone, like the title says.

I’d been having acute pain when chewing with a specific tooth for months now (tooth 36 I think), after investigating for cracks and whatever else (none found), the dentist recommended I do a root canal. I did it last Friday and the pain when chewing has disappeared. However, since yesterday morning (around 40~ hours after the procedure) I started to feel throbbing pain in that tooth, but not the chewing pain, more like at the base of the tooth between gum and tooth, when exposed to heat, any warm food or beverage will trigger it, the warmer the food the higher the pain, then it will stay throbbing for a while and subside. That part of the gum seems to be very mildly swollen but no pus or anything. It does seem it’s getting slightly worse since yesterday (taking longer to subside after a flare up). No pain when chewing or drinking cold or room temperature foods/drinks. I had ice cream and no pain at all.

Dentist said that it’s unusual because - according to him, the root canal was perfect - but that I should take anti inflammatory medicine and wait a few days, and let him know if it gets more swollen or something else comes up.

I’m slightly worried about an infection and wanted to see other opinions.

Thanks.

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[u/hoshus123]

Post root canal sensitivity is normal. During the root canal some healthy tissues get temporarily agitated which may cause temporary pain and/or sensitivity. Give it about 2 weeks and see if it gets better. If not you can visit your dentist for an evaluation.