Some discomfort after root canal treatment is normal. You may notice tenderness when chewing on the tooth or touching it. Each patient and tooth can heal differently, but discomfort often improves within a week. In some cases, it may last longer. If you had significant pain before treatment, you may feel more soreness after the procedure. Take any medications as directed and contact our office if you have concerns.
Please avoid chewing on the treated tooth until your dentist has completed the final restoration. The tooth may be more likely to fracture if a crown is not already in place or if cracks are present. If the tooth breaks, it may no longer be restorable and could need to be removed.
Once root canal treatment is complete, schedule your final restoration as soon as possible. In many cases, the tooth can be restored the same day as treatment. Restoring the tooth is an important step that helps protect the long-term success of the root canal and the health of the tooth.
For pain, please take medication only if instructed and only if you are medically able to do so.
- Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin, may be taken at 200 to 600 mg every four to six hours as needed. Do not take more than 3200 mg in 24 hours.
- Aleve may be taken as an alternative at one 220 mg tablet every four to six hours. Do not take more than 1375 mg in 24 hours.
- Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, may be taken at 325 to 650 mg every four to six hours as needed. Do not take more than 3000 mg in 24 hours, including any amount found in cold medicines.
If antibiotics were prescribed, take them exactly as directed until they are gone, even if your symptoms improve. Antibiotics may take 48 to 72 hours to begin controlling an infection. During that time, it is possible for infection, pain or swelling to temporarily increase.
Call 804-417-0050 for any questions for Dr. Joseph Elrod and associates. Our dentists at Elrod & Dunham Dentistry can help you achieve your healthiest smile through our dental services in Mechanicsville, Virginia.