“What is the best pain reliever after a root canal?”
I had a root canal yesterday and my gum is swollen. What is the best pain reliever after a root canal?
12 Answers
For severe pain, you can take 400 mg Ibuprofen with 500 mg Tylenol every 4-6 hours. The two drugs potentiate each and will be more effective than a higher dose of one alone.
Hi!
Usually this is up to the treating doctor. If pain medications are needed after a root canal is done, I typically like to prescribe or have patients take ibuprofen if it allows with the patients medical history. I would consult with the dentist that did the root canal to see what they would recommend specifically for you.
Usually this is up to the treating doctor. If pain medications are needed after a root canal is done, I typically like to prescribe or have patients take ibuprofen if it allows with the patients medical history. I would consult with the dentist that did the root canal to see what they would recommend specifically for you.
Ibuprofen 600 mg every 8 hours for 2 to 3 days
Most patients find that Advil or Tylenol really does help the post-root canal discomfort.
For most dental related pain, over-the-counter medication such as Advil (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen) is very effective. It is seldom necessary to use prescription strength medication following dental treatment. Speak with your doctor about the best way to utilize the over-the-counter medication for the most effective result. The other important factor is time. We all need to remember that there may be discomfort following dental treatment. This is normal. The goal is to manage the discomfort, not remove all discomfort entirely. Only time will allow the body to heal and return to normal.
Due to the swelling, if you aren’t already on antibiotics, you can check with the endodontist to see if you should have a prescription. Otherwise, 3 to 4 ibuprofen with 1 to 2 acetaminophen work well for pain - only if you’re allowed to take them.
Feel better!
Feel better!
Thank you for asking. Motrin is usually the best pain reliever for dental pain. If you’re unable to take Motrin than Tylenol as directed. Warm salt water rinses and cool compresses. If the pain lingers seek a follow up appointment. Good luck.
Swelling can arise from infection, post-operative inflammation, or procedural trauma to the tissue. Postoperative pain can arise from these and other causes. If you have swelling in your gum tissue that was not there before the root canal that persists, throbs, or enlarges, you need to let your dentist know immediately. That being said, very warm salt water rinses using 1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in one cup of water every few hours works wonders in easing discomfort and reducing minor swelling. If your medical condition allows, 400 mg ibuprofen every 4 hours PLUS acetaminophen is a powerful combination for dental pain. NEVER exceed the daily limits of acetaminophen. Do not exceed the daily limits on the bottle for the ibuprofen unless directed by your dentist. As I previously stated, if the swelling does not resolve in a few days or is worsening, you need to always communicate that with the treating dentist.
It is always best to call and talk to your healthcare provider about which medications are best for you, given your health history and which medications you are allowed to take. Typically, after a root canal it is best to alternate between Ibuprofen (advil, motrin, etc) and Acetaminophen (Tylenol). All current research shows that this combination works just as well, and typically better, than even opioid analgesics. After I perform root canal treatment on a patient, we recommend alternating between Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen every 6 hours, without going over the daily limits of each. This is assuming the patient has no contraindications to either of these drugs and again, it is always best to check with your dentist/physician before taking any medications.
Ibuprofen
Hello,
If you’re not allergic to Ibuprofen or NSAID, The best medicine for dental pain, especially after root canal treatment, is Ibuprofen 400mg every 8hrs. If you’re experiencing inflammation too, you can take Ibuprofen 800mg every 8hrs upto 3200mg per 24hrs.
If you’re not allergic to Ibuprofen or NSAID, The best medicine for dental pain, especially after root canal treatment, is Ibuprofen 400mg every 8hrs. If you’re experiencing inflammation too, you can take Ibuprofen 800mg every 8hrs upto 3200mg per 24hrs.
Ibuprofen and tylenol, if you are medically cleared to take those medications. You can take a daily maximum of 2800mg of each per day. If you take ibuprofen and tylenol together, they work better together and provide the same amount of pain relief as a narcotic.
