Duration

The duration of the pain is extremely variable and varies greatly from patient to patient. Sometimes only a short pain episode occurs and after a short time you are free of pain again. This typically happens as an accompanying symptom in the case of a minor cold or the like.

If, however, caries or an inflammation of the root apex is responsible for the pain, then the complaints can last for a long time and become increasingly severe. Initially, they can occur irritation-dependent through hot and/or cold food and drinks or through pressure, later the transition to a permanent state is possible. However, persistent strong or throbbing pain is not to be taken lightly and a visit to the dentist should be made quickly. Pus formation is very likely in this case and without treatment an abscess and bone resorption will occur.

Pain under a crown on the root-treated tooth

A crowned tooth that has been root-treated may start to hurt again after a few months or years. The inflammation, which the root canal treatment tried to eliminate, has reappeared. Inadequate preparation or rinsing leaves contaminated (non-sterile) tissue in the tooth, in which bacteria can still be present.

These bacteria multiply when the body’s defenses are poor and cause pain. The situation is similar if a root canal instrument is broken off during treatment. In this case it is not always possible to remove the fragment completely.

Bacteria then remain in the canal and cause an inflammation. However, an inflammation of the root apex can also occur via the tooth bed (periodontium), without the root canal being affected by bacteria. Then it is possible that the inflammation does not recede even after a renewed root canal treatment. If the tooth is to be preserved, an apicoectomy should be attempted. In this case the inflamed part of the root is surgically removed and the root canal is closed from the lower side.