After Root Canal Therapy Instructions

1) For pain, the combination of over the counter Ibuprofen and Tylenol has proven to be most effective.
Provided you do not have allergies or restrictions against ibuprofen or acetaminophen:

We advise taking 400mg-600mg of ibuprofen every 6-8 hours for post-operative discomfort. Please consume plenty of water to allow the ibuprofen to work more effectively and to ease the burden of its metabolism in the kidney organs.

If pain still persist despite 600mg of ibuprofen use, please add 1 extra strength Tylenol (500mg acetaminophen) to the regimen. This will give a helpful synergistic effect. So you will take three over the counter ibuprofen (200mg x 3) plus one extra strength Tylenol (500mg) every 6-8 hours as needed
Rarely, we may need to give you a prescription for pain control.

2) If you experience any swelling near the tooth/teeth that were worked upon or begin to run a fever, you will need antibiotics. If you were not given a prescriptions for an antibiotic, please call us so that we may arrange this prescription for you. Antibiotic use can impair the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. If an allergic reaction develops, (itching, rash, hives,) stop taking and call us.

3) Please avoid chewing with the root canal treated tooth as much as possible until the permanent restoration has been placed on it by your general dentist.

4) Unless of a questionable prognosis, you should return to your dentist for a permanent restoration which will most likely entail a permanent crown within 4 weeks. Failure to adequately restore your tooth can lead to contamination of the root canal or fracture of the tooth. This could lead to needing retreatment of the root canal or an extraction of the tooth.

5) It is normal for the temporary filling to form a “divot.” It is rare for the entire temporary filling to fall out. If it does fall out, please arrange to see our office or your general dentist as soon as possible.

6) Flare-ups happen between 3%-11% of the time. They mostly occur on teeth with a history of an infection or those which have been extremely irritated in the past. Sometimes they may occur randomly, even if other teeth have had root canals in the past with no issues. Antibiotics, steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or stronger pain medication prescriptions may be needed to help calm a flare-up.

Please call us if you have any questions or concerns (630) 277-9373.