Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender for several days as a result of the previous condition of your tooth and manipulation during treatment. This tenderness is normal and is not cause for alarm. This soreness is due to the inflammation or infection around the root of the tooth and the inflammation in the TMJ and jaw muscles from being open during treatment. Your tooth should feel better each day after treatment. Remember that narcotic pain medications, if prescribed, may make you drowsy, and caution should be taken in operating machinery or driving. Narcotic pain medication can also upset your stomach so it is best taken with food.

• Please do not chew on the affected side until your endodontic therapy is completed and your tooth is covered with a protective restoration provided by your restorative dentist.
• Do not eat until the numbness has worn off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
• It is more effective to control the inflammation from your tooth condition and the procedure immediately rather than waiting for pain to come. We recommend that you take a combination of medications at the same time. We would like you to take ibuprofen (600 mg of Motrin, Advil or generic ibuprofen, which is equivalent to 3 over-the-counter tablets, every 6 hours) along with acetaminophen (Tylenol 500mg every 6 hours). This combination should be taken for two days following your procedure. Studies have shown and our experience dictates that the combination of the ibuprofen and the acetaminophen is more effective than prescription narcotics.

Children under 16 years old should take 200mg to 400mg of ibuprofen and 250mg of acetaminophen every 6 hours.

IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO OR CANNOT TOLERATE THE ABOVE PLEASE TAKE THE FOLLOWING:

• If allergic to ibuprofen then take-acetaminophen (Tylenol) 1000mg then every 6 hours or aspirin for a duration of two days.
• If allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) then take-600mg of ibuprofen every 6 hours for a duration of two days.
• Do not be concerned if your tooth is sensitive or sore for up to one week and possibly longer after the procedure. This can be a normal response.
• You may continue your regular dental hygiene regimen including brushing and flossing.
• If you have a temporary filling, it is not unusual for a thin layer or small portion to wear down between appointments. The temporary may sink slightly giving the impression that it has come out. If you feel that the entire temporary has come out, please contact us.

Should you experience discomfort that cannot be controlled with the above listed medications, or should a swelling develop, please contact our office immediately at (513) 394-6299.