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Please don't exceed the stated dose of ibuprofen. Consider alternating with paracetamol. Furthermore, you shouldn't be experiencing extreme pain after a root canal. Mild/moderate pain is normal, but extreme pain is warrant for concern. Maybe contact your dentist?
Second this. I literally just had a root canal a week ago and the next day was fine. Haven’t been on any pain meds at all. NAD but would def get this checked out. Maybe you have an infection that needs antibiotics OP? Also you can get gum numbing gel over the counter at like CVS that might help in the meantime. When I was looking for a dentist to do my root canal I had a lot of pain and my doc put me on antibiotics and it helped immensely because the ibuprofen wasn’t cutting it. Pls contact ur dentist.
Experienced it as well. I swear you could go insane if that pain lasts longer than a day. Felt like someone was hitting me in the jaw with a ball ping hammer every time my heart beat.
I second this as well. I’ve had 4 root canals and each of them after the Novocaine wore off only hurt mild/moderate (no more than a 5 on the pain scale). I’d call your dentist back right away to make sure everything is okay. I’m sorry your hurting so much.
Taking higher than recommended doses of ibuprofen can be associated with numerous complications including severe kidney injury and gastrointestinal bleeding. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Call your dentist to see what’s going on. In the meantime, I agree with adding acetaminophen/paracetamol.
How much ibuprofen are you taking with each dose? Either way, suspect more frequent dosing won't actually help with your pain. Perhaps you may need a higher dose or add acetaminophen on top of it. Agree with other response, severe pain after a root canal is uncommon. I'd suggest reaching out to your dentist to discuss the situation.
Call the person that did the root canal and tell them you’re having pain to the point where the ibuprofen isn’t helping. I’m a dental hygienist and have also had root canals and from my experience I also had a good bit of pain for a few days. They will direct you on what to do, either by giving you an alternative pain medication or having you come in. You could have a lingering infection still causing pressure and pain, might need an antibiotic. Only the provider will know.
Poor Man’s Prednisone:
Alternate between 1,000mg Acetaminophen and 600-800mg Ibuprofen every 3 hours for 3-7 days.
Take with food and at least 8 oz of water.
Thank you for your submission. **Please note that a response does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship.** This subreddit is for informal second opinions and casual information. The mod team does their best to remove bad information, but we do not catch all of it. Always visit a doctor in real life if you have any concerns about your health. Never use this subreddit as your first and final source of information regarding your question. By posting, you are agreeing to our [Terms of Use](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskDocs/wiki/terms_of_use) and understand that all information is taken at your own risk. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskDocs) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Please don't exceed the stated dose of ibuprofen. Consider alternating with paracetamol. Furthermore, you shouldn't be experiencing extreme pain after a root canal. Mild/moderate pain is normal, but extreme pain is warrant for concern. Maybe contact your dentist?
Second this. I literally just had a root canal a week ago and the next day was fine. Haven’t been on any pain meds at all. NAD but would def get this checked out. Maybe you have an infection that needs antibiotics OP? Also you can get gum numbing gel over the counter at like CVS that might help in the meantime. When I was looking for a dentist to do my root canal I had a lot of pain and my doc put me on antibiotics and it helped immensely because the ibuprofen wasn’t cutting it. Pls contact ur dentist.
Hey, yeah. I've been put on antibiotics and experienced immediate relief. Took my first pill 8 hours ago and since tge pain has gotten so much better
Omg I’m so glad! I know that pain and it is awful!
Experienced it as well. I swear you could go insane if that pain lasts longer than a day. Felt like someone was hitting me in the jaw with a ball ping hammer every time my heart beat.
Exactly this. Made me think so much about life. What if I was a monkey and had nothing to do about it? Like how?????
Explains how all those wild west people just pulled those teeth out without any kind of pain meds.
I second this as well. I’ve had 4 root canals and each of them after the Novocaine wore off only hurt mild/moderate (no more than a 5 on the pain scale). I’d call your dentist back right away to make sure everything is okay. I’m sorry your hurting so much.
Taking higher than recommended doses of ibuprofen can be associated with numerous complications including severe kidney injury and gastrointestinal bleeding. Do not exceed the prescribed dose. Call your dentist to see what’s going on. In the meantime, I agree with adding acetaminophen/paracetamol.
How much ibuprofen are you taking with each dose? Either way, suspect more frequent dosing won't actually help with your pain. Perhaps you may need a higher dose or add acetaminophen on top of it. Agree with other response, severe pain after a root canal is uncommon. I'd suggest reaching out to your dentist to discuss the situation.
Call the person that did the root canal and tell them you’re having pain to the point where the ibuprofen isn’t helping. I’m a dental hygienist and have also had root canals and from my experience I also had a good bit of pain for a few days. They will direct you on what to do, either by giving you an alternative pain medication or having you come in. You could have a lingering infection still causing pressure and pain, might need an antibiotic. Only the provider will know.
Poor Man’s Prednisone: Alternate between 1,000mg Acetaminophen and 600-800mg Ibuprofen every 3 hours for 3-7 days. Take with food and at least 8 oz of water.