How Long Does It Take to Recover from Root Canal?

When you receive information that you need a root canal, you might think Armageddon day has arrived and have many questions for the dentist. Primarily you might want to understand how much time you require to recover from the procedure.

Believing the myths spread about root canals near you might think the procedure is uncomfortable besides being incredibly painful. However, advances in dentistry and technology have ensured this endodontic therapy is not as painful as earlier. Many people have commented that getting a root canal was no more painful than getting their teeth filled.

The discomfort you imagine about root canals is generally the pain you endure from the infection within your tooth instead of the procedure itself. However, the approach dentists use when completing a root canal in Houston, TX, is delicate to make many patients fall asleep in the dentist’s chair during their appointment.

Why Do Root Canals Become Necessary?

Endodontic treatment is the most common dental procedure in the US. Every year Endodontists perform 14 million root canals and have plenty of success stories. Before recommending root canals, endodontic specialists consider whether alternative treatments are also available to deal with your circumstances.

Root canals become necessary when tooth decay penetrates the inner layers to infect the soft center of the tooth, the dental pulp. The dental pulp is sensitive as it contains blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves. You might require root canals because of extensive decay in a specific tooth or injuries that might crack your tooth and contribute to decay by allowing your mouth bacteria to penetrate it.

During your root canal therapy, the dentist in Houston provides local anesthesia or sedation to calm you before making an access hole in the crown of your tooth to expose the dental pulp. Next, they will remove the infected and inflamed pulp and clean the canals with disinfectants before sealing them with a bio-compatible rubber-like gutta-percha.

The access hole in the crown of your tooth receives a temporary filling to complete your appointment.

Root canal treatments are routinely completed in one visit unless you have a severe infection that might need multiple appointments. After undergoing treatment, you must visit your regular dentist to get your treated tooth restored with a dental crown after you recover from the procedure.

Recovering from Root Canals

You can expect some discomfort after undergoing root canal treatment. The anesthesia provided by the dentist wears off in about three to four hours when you will develop soreness in the mouth and swelling on your cheeks. You can expect the discomfort to last for a couple of days because of the intensive cleaning procedure of your tooth. However, dentists recommend a prescription for over-the-counter pain relievers to help you manage the discomfort.

Although you might be encouraged to start your regular activities immediately after the procedure, you help yourself by getting some rest and taking the medications recommended by the dentist to alleviate pain. In addition, you can use ice packs on the cheeks to relieve swelling.

You must rely on soft foods during your recovery and avoid eating with the treated tooth. It would be beneficial to avoid hard foods for a few days after your procedure. In addition, you must refrain from chewing gum and having alcohol because it interacts with the medications you receive for pain relief.

You might require about ten days to recover from Root canal treatment before you visit your regular dentist for a restoration with a dental crown. You can also consider a permanent filling in the tooth. However, if you want to restore the tooth to its former functionality, a dental crown is a better option because it encases the tooth to regain its strength and functionality.

Keeping Your Tooth Healthy Following Root Canal Treatment

If you want to minimize the risk of needing another root canal, you must keep your dental restoration in place by following the tips mentioned below.

• Follow the recommended dental hygiene practices by brushing twice a day using a gentle circular motion with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Floss daily for plaque removal and infection.
• Refrain from having hard foods following your root canal.
• Reduce acidic and sugary foods and beverages.
• Do not forget to schedule appointments with your dentist for exams and cleanings.

Root canals are no longer a fearsome treatment and help preserve your natural tooth instead of extracting it. Therefore there is no reason for you to remain concerned about your recovery time when recommended this beneficial procedure.

Mi Casa Dental – Houston, TX, perform root canal treatments on many patients with successful results and helps them recover as soon as possible. Contact the practice today to preserve the natural tooth if you need this treatment.