Root Canal Therapy

Anesthetic: When an anesthetic has been used, your lips and tongue may be numb for several hours after the appointment. Avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue or lip while you are numb. Injection sites may also be sore. Ibuprofen (Motrin), Tylenol or aspirin (one tablet every 3-4 hours as needed for pain) work well to alleviate the tenderness. 

Antibiotics: Many times before or after Non-Surgical Root Canal therapy we will prescribe an antibiotic. It is important that you take the complete course of your antibiotic until gone, even when you start to feel better. 

Pain Management: When acute or chronic infections are present before Root Canal Therapy, the likelihood of post operative discomfort is higher. To minimize post operative discomfort please follow all instructions given to you on the day of your treatment. You may take over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol (one-two tablets) or Ibuprofen (Motrin).

• Mild to Moderate Pain- Take 500-1000mg Tylenol (two -three tablets) OR 400-800mg Ibuprofen (Motrin) (two – four tablets) every 4-6 hours.
• Severe Pain- Take 500-1000mg Tylenol (two -three tablets) AND 400-800mg Ibuprofen (Motrin) (two – four tablets) TOGETHER every 6 hours.

Your gums may also be sore for a few days. Warm salt water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) three times a day will reduce pain and swelling. A mild pain medication (one-two tablets of Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) every 4-6 hours) should ease any residual discomfort. If discomfort persists beyond a few days, contact our office at Satula Family Dental Phone Number (414) 425-1510.

Follow Up Treatment : After Non-Surgical Root Canal your tooth will need a full coverage restoration like a Dental Crown, it is important to minimize chewing on that tooth until final treatment can be completed. Failure to do so, may result in fracturing and loss of the tooth.