Why Does My Cheek Hurt After Root Canal Treatment?

After completing a root canal, there may be pain in the face?

Hello~ (The problematic teeth are the upper right wisdom tooth and the second and third molars from the back.) Two months ago, I had a deep cavity in one of my teeth, and since it wasn't cleaned properly, it was filled.
During that time, I experienced pain and bleeding.
The dentist thought it was periodontal disease and prescribed medication for me.
After taking it for three days, the pain subsided, but I developed a dental abscess.
When I went to a larger hospital for a check-up, they said I needed to have the tooth extracted, but I had to take antibiotics for seven days first, so the extraction would be in three weeks.
Three weeks later, I returned for a follow-up.
However, my child was hospitalized at that time, and I was worried I wouldn't be able to care for my child, so I took another seven days of antibiotics.
Ten days later, I went to a dentist who is a relative of mine, and he performed root canals on both molars.
He mentioned that one of the teeth was severely decayed, which is when I realized that the tooth that wasn't cleaned properly was the one that needed the root canal.

A week after the root canal, I noticed slight swelling on my right cheek, but the painful area is on the cheek itself.
It hurts when I press on it, and I feel like there's something hard there.
Yesterday, the two molars were filled.
I would like to ask why my cheek hurts? Could it be that bacteria have spread? Is that possible?

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/11/25

Dr. Zhang Xiangyuan reply Dentistry

Dear user,
Based on your description, it has been one week since you underwent root canal treatment on your upper right molar, and you are experiencing pain in your cheek.
It is advisable to monitor whether the cheek pain improves.
If the pain worsens or if you notice swelling in your cheek, it is recommended that you return to your dentist for an examination and treatment.
The dentist will assess whether there are any other issues with the treated tooth that may require further intervention, and determine if the tooth can be preserved or if extraction is necessary.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2015/11/25

More Info

After undergoing a root canal treatment, it's not uncommon to experience discomfort or pain in the cheek area, especially if the procedure involved molars or wisdom teeth. The pain you're feeling could be attributed to several factors related to the dental procedure and the underlying condition of your teeth.

Possible Reasons for Cheek Pain After Root Canal Treatment:
1. Inflammation and Swelling: Following a root canal, inflammation is a natural response as your body works to heal the affected area. The tissues around the tooth can become swollen, leading to discomfort that may radiate to the cheek. This inflammation can be exacerbated if there was an infection prior to the treatment.

2. Nerve Irritation: The roots of your teeth are closely associated with nerves. During the root canal procedure, the dentist may have inadvertently irritated the surrounding nerves, leading to pain in the cheek area. This is particularly common if the tooth was severely infected or if the procedure was complex.

3. Infection: If there was an existing infection in the tooth or surrounding tissues before the root canal, it could lead to complications post-treatment. Sometimes, bacteria can spread to adjacent tissues, causing localized pain and swelling. If you notice increased swelling or pain, it’s crucial to consult your dentist as this may indicate a need for further treatment, such as antibiotics.

4. Jaw Muscle Strain: The position you maintain during dental procedures can lead to muscle strain in the jaw. If you had to keep your mouth open for an extended period, it might cause discomfort in the muscles that can radiate to the cheek area.

5. Dental Work Complications: If the root canal was followed by additional procedures, such as fillings or crowns, any discomfort could be related to these treatments. Sometimes, the materials used can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, leading to pain.

Recommendations:
- Follow-Up with Your Dentist: If the pain persists or worsens, it’s essential to return to your dentist for a follow-up. They can assess whether there is any infection or other complications that need to be addressed.

- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage discomfort. However, consult your dentist before taking any medication, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking other medications.

- Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary relief from pain.

- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in your symptoms. If you experience fever, increased swelling, or pus discharge, these could be signs of an infection that requires immediate attention.

Conclusion:
In summary, cheek pain after a root canal can stem from inflammation, nerve irritation, infection, muscle strain, or complications from dental work. It is crucial to communicate any ongoing pain or discomfort to your dentist, who can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment. Remember, while some discomfort is normal after dental procedures, persistent or severe pain should always be investigated to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

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