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Posts Tagged ‘why is my root canal tooth hurting after years’

why is my root canal tooth hurting after years

Why Is My Root Canal Tooth Hurting After Years? Causes, Solutions, and What to Do Next

By tdoadmin | February 19, 2026

It can feel confusing—and honestly, a little alarming—when a tooth that had a root canal years ago suddenly starts hurting again. After all, wasn’t that tooth supposed to be “fixed”? If you’re wondering, “Why is my root canal tooth hurting after years?” you’re not alone. While root canal treatment has a high success rate and…

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Categories

  • Preventive Dentistry
  • Root Canal

Midtown Endodontics P.C.

Call Us: 212-721-2266
Text Us: 347-801-7456
353 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1503
New York, NY 10016
Email Link

contactus@midtownendodontics.com

dr.chanelle.small

🦷 Endodontist | NYC
Helping general dentists:
▪️ Treat root canals confidently
▪️ Save restorable teeth
▪️Tips + case breakdowns
⬇️ Refer or collab

One question I get occasionally is: how long shoul One question I get occasionally is: how long should you leave calcium hydroxide in the tooth—and do you wait for the periapical radiolucency to heal before obturation?

The short answer is no.

In most cases, calcium hydroxide should be left in the canal for about 2 to 4 weeks. At the second visit, if the canal is dry, there’s no drainage, and the patient is asymptomatic, you can  move forward with obturation and the final restoration.

Where I see confusion is the idea that you should wait until the radiolucency resolves before filling the tooth. The reality is that bone healing takes months, and with a two-dimensional periapical radiograph, you’re not going to appreciate that healing right away. In fact, the lesion may look unchanged even though healing is already happening at a histologic level.

If you delay treatment just to “see healing,” you’re actually increasing the risk of recontamination by leaving a temporary restoration in place for too long. Or risk of fracture if a build up is placed but not the full coverage crown.
Yes, CBCT can show healing earlier, but it’s not practical—or necessary—to scan every few weeks just to monitor progress.

There are older studies where calcium hydroxide was repeatedly replaced until healing was seen, but we now understand that the healing comes from proper cleaning and disinfection of the canal system—not from leaving medicament in indefinitely.

So clinically, once the canal is clean, dry, and the patient is comfortable, it’s appropriate to complete the case—and then monitor healing at your 6- and 12-month recalls.

Docs—are you completing at the second visit, or still waiting for the PA to “look better” first? 👇🏽

#Endodontics #RootCanalTreatment #GeneralDentistry #DentalEducation #HowLongDoesARootCanalTake
We do this every single day 👇🏽 And still… the ques We do this every single day 👇🏽
And still… the questions keep coming:

“Are root canals bad for you?”
“How can I avoid a root canal?”
“I heard root canals cause problems…”

Let’s be clear—there’s a LOT of misinformation out there.

✨ Myths vs facts about root canals matter.
Because what you’re seeing here isn’t theory… it’s real life.

🦷 Infections
🦷 Periapical pathology
🦷 Teeth that would otherwise be lost

And the goal is simple: save the natural tooth whenever possible.

Root canal treatment isn’t something to fear—
it’s something that helps patients get out of pain and keep their teeth.

So I’ll keep showing up.
I’ll keep educating.
And I’ll keep showing you exactly what we do every day behind the scenes.

Because the more you see it… the more it makes sense.
📸 @mouthwatch 
—

Docs—what’s the biggest myth your patients believe about root canals? 👇🏽
I’m honored to share that I’ve been appointed as a I’m honored to share that I’ve been appointed as a Board Member of the National Dental Association, an organization dedicated to equitable dental care, supporting professionals and improving access in underserved communities nationwide.

To have a seat at the table in a space that has long championed equity, excellence, and service in dentistry is not something I take lightly.

Leadership has looked different throughout my career:
✔️ Building and leading my own practice
✔️ Mentoring young dentists
✔️ Serving patients with intention and excellence

But stepping into organizational leadership is a different responsibility—one that requires listening, collaboration, and vision beyond your own four walls.

I’m excited to learn.
I’m ready to contribute.
And I’m committed to helping shape the future of our profession.

Grateful for everyone who poured into me along the way 🤍

#DentistryLeadership #WomenInDentistry #DentalProfessionals #HealthcareLeadership #DentistLife
Owning a business—especially in dentistry—means yo Owning a business—especially in dentistry—means you’re never really “off.” 🖤

As a dentist, entrepreneur, and practice owner, my mind is always working:
thinking about my team, my patients, treatment outcomes, payroll, marketing strategies, growth, and the next move.

Even outside the office—at home, at dinner, or trying to unwind—you’re still building your practice, your brand, and your future.

Because this isn’t just a job.
It’s leadership.
It’s responsibility.
It’s risk.
It’s vision.
It’s legacy.

And while the pressure is real… so is the purpose. ⭐⭐

#DentistLife #WomenInDentistry #EntrepreneurLife #PracticeOwner #DentalBusiness
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