Root Canal Treatment

To alleviate any discomfort following your root canal treatment, we recommend taking pain relief medication within an hour of leaving our office. Ibuprofen (Advil) is highly effective for pain management. You can take 400mg with food, up to four times a day, over the next 3-4 days if necessary. If you have a medical condition or gastrointestinal disorder that prevents the use of ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an alternative, although it lacks anti-inflammatory properties. Please avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing products, as they may increase bleeding from the treated area.

If you experience discomfort or swelling, you can apply an ice pack to the treated area for 30 minutes when you arrive home to minimize any potential swelling.

Until the numbness in the treated area subsides, please refrain from chewing or attempting to eat on that side of your mouth. It’s advisable to chew on the opposite side to avoid any strain on the treated tooth, which may still be vulnerable.

For the first 24 hours following the procedure, it’s essential to avoid smoking, and throughout the healing process, minimize the number of times you smoke. Additionally, refrain from engaging in strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours to ensure a smooth recovery.

During this period, steer clear of crunchy or hard foods that could potentially cause the tooth without a crown to fracture.

It’s crucial to proceed with obtaining your final restoration, typically a crown unless otherwise discussed, to prevent the risk of fracture and potential tooth loss.