Pain: What’s normal?
You can expect soreness or tenderness in your tooth and its surrounding gum tissue for up to 3-5 days after your treatment. This discomfort is perfectly normal, and there’s no need to worry.
Continue brushing and flossing your teeth as normal. We recommend that you avoid chewing food on the treated side of your mouth until you’ve visited your referring dentist.
Because no two patients are the same, the levels of discomfort can vary. It’s possible you could experience discomfort for as long as 2 weeks. The more your tooth hurts before the procedure, the more tender it can be afterward. As long as your discomfort lessens day to day, you are headed in the right direction and don’t need to be concerned.
If you’re taking an antibiotic, it’s important you complete the cycle, and that you follow the prescription instructions.
If there is swelling or continued severe pain, please call the office.
Pain Medication Instructions:
These are our dosage recommendations, based on your level of pain. Start your pain medications at the “Mild Pain” level, and increase as needed.
MILD PAIN: Take 2 Over The Counter (OTC) Advil (400mg) or 2 OTC (650-1000mg) Tylenol every 4-6 hours as needed (not to exceed 3200 mg of Advil/Ibuprofen, or 4000mg of Tylenol in a 1 day).
Or for CONSISTENT PAIN: *Take 3 OTC Advil (600mg) with food following the procedure, then 3-4 times daily (every 6-8 hours) for the next two to three days.* If the pain persists alternate 2 Tylenol, three hours after the Advil. Continue as needed noting that up to one week is not unusual to have symptoms.
If an antibiotic has been prescribed, follow all directions on the label, including the length of time prescribed, even if all visible signs of infection are gone.
Be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
* Advil may be substituted with Ibuprofen or Motrin. Tylenol may be substituted with Acetaminophen.
|
6am |
9am |
12pm |
3pm |
6pm |
9pm |
|
600mg Advil |
2 Tylenol |
600mg Advil |
2 Tylenol |
600mg Advil |
2 Tylenol |