I got a molar root canal last Thursday, is it still supposed to be hurting?

Question

They did the canal and the permanent filling (I get the crown when I go back home around Christmas-time) on Thursday, and for the next three days I alternated between Ibuprofen and Tylenol.

It just aches whenever i put any sort of pressure on that tooth, such as when I bite down on it. How long should it take for the pain to go away?

And also, should I continue taking the Ibuprofen & Tylenol?

Answer 1

I would continue taking the Ibuprofen only at a 600mg dose every 6 hours.  The tylenol won't be of much help with dental inflammation.  It would probably be a good idea to let your endodontist know of the continued pain, this should have settled down by now.  You may need to be placed on another round of antibiotics to help clear up any residual infection that may still be present.  If the pain continues to persist, hold off on having the crown work done.  Occasionally a root canal won't help a tooth, this may be the case with yours, I'm not privy to the history of this tooth.  It could also be that the tooth is too high and needs a slight adjustment.  Your dentist will be better able to determine what is going on, check with him tomorrow.