Discomfort Management

General Instructions

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be slightly tender for several days as a result of manipulation during root canal 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. Discomfort may be alleviated by taking ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.  You can take up to 600 mg of Ibuprofen every 6 – 8 hours or 1000 mg of acetaminophen every 8 hours. If ibuprofen or acetaminophen alone is not enough you can combine 600 mg of ibuprofen and 325 mg of acetaminophen together and take every 6 hours.

NOTE: Alcohol intake is not advised while taking any of these medications. Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should swelling develop, please contact this office immediately. The office telephone is answered day and night. If you need to call after hours, please have your pharmacy number available.