Aftercare
The tooths response to root canal therapy is unpredictable. A lot of teeth give very little trouble after the event, some become painful......
Two phenomena can occur:
Inflammation
A natural response of the body’s immune system to the procedure, releasing chemicals that cause pain around the tooth, so it may be sore/throb/ache and be tender to bite on.
This response may be mild or moderate or severe. Generally speaking if a tooth is sore/painful before it is worked on, it will be more so after the procedure. Therefore we advise that before you come for your appointment it would be best to reduce or completely remove discomfort with analgesic drugs (pain killers). In these circumstances we advise starting medication the night before the appointment.
After the procedure, the symptoms of inflammation will usually start 1-2 days later and be at its worst at 5-7 days. It will subside and be comfortable after 10-14 days.
Infection
This is not a common complication of treatment, but can occur if the tooth has evidence of root canal disease or an abscess.
Infection, including pus production, may commence 36-48 hours post-operatively. The tooth will start to become very tender and the facial tissue will begin to swell noticeably. (A little puffiness in the face is common, and does not constitute “swelling”).
Antibiotic therapy MAY BE indicated in these circumstances and you should contact Stephen Godfrey Dental Care for further advice.
PLEASE NOTE: Swelling in the gum around the tooth does not usually require antibiotic therapy.
Our Suggested Regimes for Pain Relief
Ibuprofen for mild pain Dosage: Take 1 x 400mg
every 4 hours.
Ibuprofen for considerable/severe pain Dosage: Take
1 x 600mg every 5 hours.
Ibuprofen maximum dose is 3200mg in any 24 hours
Paracetamol for mild pain Dosage: Take 1 x 500mg
every 4 hours.
Paracetamol for considerable/severe pain Dosage:
Take 1 x 1000mg every 6 hours.
Paracetamol maximum dose is 4000mg in any 24 hours
In cases of severe pain it is safe to take the maximum dose of Ibuprofen and Paracetamol together.
These drugs should be taken with plenty of water and preferably food.
If you are unable to take Ibuprofen we recommend Paracetamol on its own.
Codeine is not a good dental pain killer.
