Question:

I am getting pain when chewing on a tooth that has had root canal treatment and a temporary filling. This treatment was done two weeks ago. Also I have had another tooth treated the same way and subsequently crowned; this tooth also was quite sore to bite on for some time after. Is this normal for this type of treatment?

Answer:

Although it's not desirable, it is quite normal to have some persistent discomfort to chewing or pressure from teeth hat have undergone root canal therapies. Often this can last for several weeks and slowly abates with time.

The pain arises from inflammation of the elastic ligament that surrounds the tooth root and not the actual nerve, which is removed as part of the treatment process. Ultimately, coverage and sealing with a crown is the ideal treatment to ensure that the root canal therapy and the tooth remain intact and healthy in the long-term.

For more information please visit Dr Angelo Lazaris's website.