Root Canal Therapy: Is It Normal To Be On Painkillers For a Week Afterwards?

Root canal therapy is a common dental procedure used to save a tooth that’s been severely damaged or infected. While it has a reputation for being painful, advancements in dental techniques and anaesthesia have made the procedure itself far more comfortable than in the past. However, many patients still experience discomfort or even pain afterward — prompting the common question: Is it normal to be on painkillers for a week following root canal therapy?

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

Root canal therapy (RCT) involves removing the infected or inflamed pulp (the soft tissue inside the tooth), cleaning and shaping the root canals, and sealing them to prevent further infection. In many cases, a crown is placed afterward to restore the tooth’s structure and protect it from future damage.

Post-Treatment Pain: What to Expect

1. Immediate Post-Procedure Discomfort

It’s completely normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after root canal therapy. The pain is usually not from the procedure itself — thanks to local anaesthetic — but rather from the inflammation or trauma to the surrounding tissues that occurred before or during the treatment.

Common causes of discomfort include:

Swelling or inflammation of surrounding gum tissue
Irritation from dental instruments used during the procedure
Minor jaw soreness from keeping your mouth open
Temporary filling that may feel slightly high or rough

2. Duration of Pain

Most people experience a noticeable improvement within 2 to 3 days. However, some mild pain or tenderness can linger for up to a week — and in some cases, even slightly longer.

So, yes — it can be normal to use painkillers for up to a week post-treatment, especially if your tooth was badly infected or inflamed beforehand. That said, root canals don’t have to be all pain for the gain and the key is whether the pain is improving day by day.

What Painkillers Are Typically Used?

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (e.g., Nurofen, Advil) and paracetamol (e.g., Panadol, Tylenol) are usually sufficient to manage post-root canal discomfort.

Ibuprofen

Reduces inflammation and is often the most effective choice
Standard dose: 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours (max 2400 mg/day unless advised otherwise)

Paracetamol

Works differently from ibuprofen; less anti-inflammatory but effective for pain
Often used in combination with ibuprofen for added pain relief

Prescription Medications

If your pain is severe or doesn’t respond to standard medications, your dentist might prescribe a stronger analgesic, such as codeine-based medications. Whether anxiety may stop you trying it or not, it is generally a short-term solution due to the risk of side effects and dependence.

When Is It Not Normal To Still Be In Pain?

While lingering discomfort isn’t unusual, there are red flags that suggest something may be wrong:

Pain that worsens over time instead of improving
Swelling that increases, especially if it’s visible on the face
Severe pain that persists beyond 7–10 days
Pain when biting or chewing that feels sharp or intense
Signs of infection, such as fever, pus, or foul taste/smell
Sensitivity to hot or cold that doesn’t go away

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible. There might be residual infection, a missed canal, a cracked root, or another complication that needs attention.

Factors That Influence Post-Treatment Pain Duration

Several factors can affect how long and how intensely you’ll experience pain after a root canal:

Extent of the infection: A more severe or long-standing infection may take longer to resolve, even after treatment.
Condition of the surrounding tissue: Swelling or inflammation in the surrounding bone or gums can extend recovery time.
Tooth location: Molars, with their multiple roots and complex canal systems, tend to be more involved and may lead to more post-treatment discomfort.
Your pain threshold and health history: People with lower pain tolerance or pre-existing health issues may experience longer recovery times.
Treatment quality and technique: If the root canal is not sealed properly or an infection is missed, pain can persist beyond the normal healing window.

Tips to Minimise Post-Treatment Pain

Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully
1. This includes taking prescribed medications, avoiding chewing on the treated side, and attending follow-up appointments.
Use over-the-counter medications as directed
1. Don’t wait for pain to spike — take painkillers preventatively for the first few days if advised.
Stick to soft foods
1. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that might aggravate the treated tooth or cause the temporary filling to crack.
Apply a cold compress if there’s swelling
1. Use an ice pack for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first 24–48 hours.
Practice good oral hygiene
1. Keep the area clean but avoid brushing too aggressively around the treated tooth.

When to Schedule a Follow-Up

Most dentists will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on the tooth and potentially place a permanent crown. Don’t skip this appointment — it’s your chance to ensure everything is healing properly and to catch any early signs of trouble.

If your pain persists beyond a week, or if you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing is normal, don’t hesitate to call your dentist. In some cases, additional treatment — like retreatment or apicoectomy (surgical root-end removal) — may be needed.

Final Thoughts

Yes, being on painkillers for up to a week after a root canal can be normal — especially if your tooth was severely infected or inflamed to begin with. What matters most is whether the pain is decreasing and manageable. If the discomfort is improving day by day, you’re probably on the right track. But if pain lingers without improvement or worsens, it’s worth checking in with your dentist.

Remember: root canal therapy is a restorative procedure, not just a quick fix. Give your body time to heal, follow your dentist’s instructions, and don’t ignore persistent or unusual pain. Your future self (and your smile) will thank you.