What is giving for the pain when getting a root canal?

Depends: It depends on why the tooth needed a root canal and personal preferences of treating provider, can range from nothing to multiple drugs.

OTC Meds: Root canal treatment usually reduces preoperative pain. The remaining effect of the treatment is usually mild inflammation easily controlled with over the counter analgesics. These include aspirin, tylenol (acetaminophen) or advil. Before taking any medication please consult with you doctor to be sure there are no contraindications to using them.

OTC or RX: Depending upon the specific conditions present before, during and after root canal therapy, your dentist might suggest merely taking otc pain medication such as advil, motrin, aleve (naproxen) or may prescribe something stronger that requires a prescription. In any case, there is usually little to moderate pain\discomfort following most rct visits and when it does occur is usually of short duration.