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Do You Have Jaw Pain After Root Canal? Could It Be TMJ?

Published on

FEB 14
2025

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Table of contents

1. Why is Root Canal Treatment Suggested?
2. After Effects like Pain after a Root Canal Treatment
3. What is Normal in Experiencing Pain after RCT?
4. When does Jaw Pain after Root Canal Become a Concern?
5. Is TMJ Disorder Suspected in these Conditions?
6. Differentiating Between Pain after Root Canal and TMJ Pain
7. Conclusion
If you have persistent jaw pain after getting a root canal treatment or RCT done, it is common and can be a temporary discomfort. However, if the jaw pain after root canal persists for more than a week, it may show signs of infection or complications from the treatment. If you are in such a situation, then this blog is for you. Here are a few insights on how to deal with the aftereffects of an RCT and what to expect post treatment.

Why is Root Canal Treatment Suggested?

Beneath the hard layer of your tooth, there is a mass of soft tissue known as the pulp, which may get inflamed due to various reasons like infections or tooth decay. If the inflamed or infected pulp is left untreated, then it can lead to serious damage.
The endodontist is a specialist for RCT and carefully cleans and shapes the under mass beneath your teeth. The cavity is then filled again and sealed, later placing a crown to restore the teeth and prevent further damage. While this process is done, you may have some level of pain after RCT for a few hours or days, depending on the severity.
pain after rct

After Effects like Pain after a Root Canal Treatment

Generally, after an endodontist conducts an RCT on your teeth you may feel discomfort, pain or swelling among other side effects. This is common and will subside after a while. Here are a few side effects related to RCT-
  • Discolouration of teeth
  • Allergic reaction to medication
  • May experience nerve damage, numbness, tingling sensation
  • Swelling in your jaw and gums
  • May get ulcers in your inside cheek
  • Jaw pain after root canal
  • Pain or tenderness on the treated tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperature food and drinks

What is Normal in Experiencing Pain after RCT?

Once you get an RCT done, you are bound to experience pain and discomfort for a few days which will subside gradually within the next fifteen days. There may also be physical changes like swelling and redness in the treated area surrounding the tooth.
jaw pain after root canal

When does Jaw Pain after Root Canal Become a Concern?

If your jaw or tooth pain after a root canal treatment does not reduce even after fifteen days of the procedure, then it becomes a cause for concern. At this point, it is crucial to consult your orthodontist if you have observed any or all the below symptoms-
  • Swelling in the face
  • Excruciating pain inside the mouth near the tooth or jaw
  • Difficulty in opening the mouth
  • pain after RCT spreading to nearby areas
  • Popping sound of the jaw while opening the mouth
  • Difficulty in chewing food

Is TMJ Disorder Suspected in these Conditions?

With symptoms mentioned above remaining after your RCT, it may be a sign of an existing TMJ issue. Temporomandibular joint disorders affect the jaw and surrounding muscles leading to severe pain and discomfort in following daily routines. Here are a few reasons why jaw pain occurs after RCT-
  • During the RCT, you have to keep your mouth wide open for a long period, straining the jaws and muscle joints. This action may trigger TMJ symptoms in susceptible patients.
  • Stress and anxiety are caused while the procedure takes place triggering TMJ symptoms in weak individuals.
  • Timing and coincidence are also a possibility while jaw pain after root canal cannot be related to TMJ symptoms.
pain after a root canal treatment

Differentiating Between Pain after Root Canal and TMJ Pain

It can be to differentiate between regular post RCT pain and TMJ pain. Below is a simple guide to refer and differentiate between the two-
Reason Post-Root Canal Pain TMJ Pain
Location Usually localized to the treated tooth and surrounding area May occur in the jaw joint, temple, ear, or neck
Type of Pain Dull ache, throbbing, sensitivity to pressure Can be sharp, aching, or radiating
Duration Typically subsides within a few days Can be chronic or intermittent
Other Symptoms May have some swelling or sensitivity in the gums May have clicking/popping sounds, limited jaw movement

Conclusion

While jaw discomfort or pain after a root canal treatment persists after many days, accompanied by TMJ pain and other symptoms, it should be evaluated by a dentist and suggest the right cure. In case early diagnoses of TMJ is done, then seek help from a TMJ specialist who will suggest the appropriate recovery plans.
One such dental clinic is TMJ India which has the best dentists, orthodontists and TMJ specialists who can help you with your symptoms of jaw pain after root canal treatment. With the help of non-invasive treatment methods, you will get over the pain and discomfort in no time.
To treat the most complex of TMJ problems, contact us at TMJ India and get your appointment with our TMJ experts today! 
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