[header] How to stop root canal pain [title] Take pain medication. [step] Your dentist may prescribe a pain reliever for you to take after the root canal. If not, or if the pain is only minimal, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
[substeps] Although you'll be given pain medication during the root canal, you should take the otc pain relievers within an hour after the root canal. This will give them a chance to start working before your anesthesia wears off.