Aftercare
Pain After a Filling, Crown, or Root Canal
Some tenderness or sensitivity after a filling, crown, or root canal is common and usually fades over days to a couple of weeks. Pain that grows stronger, lingers after hot or cold is gone, or makes biting difficult is a reason to call the office. The table below shows what is typical after each treatment.
What is normal after each treatment?
| Treatment | Common after treatment | Usually eases within |
|---|---|---|
| Filling | Sensitivity to cold, heat, sweets, or biting | Days to two weeks |
| Crown | Mild sensitivity and tender gums | A few days to two weeks |
| Root canal | Tenderness when biting; sore jaw | A few days |
How can you ease the discomfort?
- Take over-the-counter pain relief as Dr. Lee recommends.
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
- Avoid very hot, very cold, and hard foods for a few days.
- Chew on the other side while the tooth settles.
Why does a tooth hurt when biting after treatment?
A new filling or crown that sits slightly high can make the tooth sore when you bite, because it takes extra pressure. This is quick for Dr. Lee to adjust. After a root canal, tenderness when biting is common for a few days while the tissues around the root heal.
When should you call the office?
Call the office if pain keeps getting stronger, lasts more than two weeks, wakes you at night, or comes with swelling or fever. Call as well if your bite feels uneven or a filling, crown, or temporary comes loose.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal for a tooth to hurt weeks after a filling?
Mild sensitivity can last up to two weeks or so. Pain that continues beyond that, or worsens, should be checked.
Why does my tooth hurt with cold after a crown?
A newly prepared tooth can react to cold while it settles under the crown. Sensitivity that does not ease within a couple of weeks should be checked.
When is Smile Art open?
We are open Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. If you are in pain or have swelling, call us right away.
Related pages
Sources
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy.org: Root Canals
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy.org: Sensitive Teeth
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy.org: Anesthesia and Sedation
This guide follows the American Dental Association's patient guidance. It does not replace the instructions Dr. Lee gives you for your treatment, which come first.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.