Your root canal treatment is complete. It is normal for your tooth to be sore for 2-3 days after treatment. It may actually become more sore on the second day. Tenderness to biting may persist for up to two weeks following treatment but will gradually get better over time.
DO NOT eat or drink anything for the next half hour. DO NOT try to feel around your tooth with your tongue. You have a temporary filling in the tooth and it takes about half an hour to harden. We recommend that you take 600-800mg of Ibuprofen (3-4 Advil or Motrin tablets) every 4-6 hours after the procedure and thereafter as necessary for pain. If you are unable to take Ibuprofen, Advil or Motrin due to an allergy, stomach ulcer, or as per your physician’s advice, you may take 1000mg Acetaminophen (two extra strength Tylenol) every 6 hours. You can also take Motrin and Tylenol concurrently for extra pain relief. It is a good idea to take the ibuprofen even if the tooth is not sore to help prevent soreness in the next few days.
Your tooth only has a temporary filling at this time. It is critical that you make an appointment for placement of the definitive restoration as soon as possible. We will place a crown, onlay, or filling to seal the root canal and help protect the tooth from fracture. AVOID CHEWING ON THE TREATED TOOTH UNTIL THE RESTORATION IS PLACED!
If you experience swelling or pain (which is not comfortably controlled by medication), or if there are complications with your medicines, please call the office at 334-687-0088. We will be glad to assist you with any questions you may have.