“How do you manage pain while waiting for a root canal?”

The most effective treatment is use of over-the-counter acetaminophen and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory type drugs like Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen and similar drugs work by reducing inflammation, and inflammation is the source of most cases of dental type pain. Acetaminophen is a reasonable analgesic for these types of moderate-level pain (4-7/10).
Good luck!

Kenneth D. Candido, M.D.

These questions would best be answered by your dentist. Best of luck on your upcoming surgery.

This pain is caused by inflammation and therefore the best is to take something like Ibuprofen 800mg 3 times a day with food until the root canal is done. Ice can help. Nerve pain also responds to Gabapentin which requires a prescription. Stop the Ibuprofen if you develop gastric pain while taking this high dose to attack both inflammation and pain. Not everybody develops gastritis.