Endodontic Home Care Instructions

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during treatment and previous condition of your tooth. This tenderness is normal and is no cause for alarm.

Do not chew food on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist. You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen.

Pain Control Instructions

Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), Aleve, aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.  If for medical reasons you cannot take specific pain medications please let us know so we can customize a pain management strategy.

Pain relief instructions:

  1. Take ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) 600 mg (3 “over the counter” pills) every 5 to 6 hours for the next 3 to 5 days.
  2. If pain persists, add Acetaminophen (Tylenol Extra strength) 500 mg every 4 hours.
  3. If the pain is still present, then replace the Acetaminophen in Step 2 with a prescribed narcotic/acetaminophen combination such as Tylenol w/codeine or hydrocodone with acetaminophen while still taking the ibuprofen from Step 1.

NOTE: Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above-listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact our office.

Will I Feel Pain During or After The Procedure?

Toothache pain is the main reason for patients seeking treatment. The purpose of a root canal procedure is to eliminate the cause of this pain. Fortunately, modern anesthetics can make the procedure pain free in most cases. Seeking treatment early makes the procedure more comfortable.

When identified early, treatment should feel no different than having a regular filling. For the first few days after treatment, there may be some soreness in the tissues surrounding the tooth, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. There can be sensitivity to biting pressure that slowly resolves over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. Often, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (like Ibuprofen) are the best medication to manage the post-op sensitivity. Other medications may be prescribed if needed.