How Long Is the Recovery Process from Root Canal Treatment?

How Long Is the Recovery Process from Root Canal Treatment? from South Florida Dental Arts in Miami, FL Root canal treatment is performed to prevent and treat infection in a tooth’s pulp. The term “pulp” refers to the soft tissues housed in a tooth’s pulp chamber. This is the innermost layer of a tooth’s crown, and it is sealed off from the rest of a tooth to prevent oral bacteria and the acids they make from making contact with it.

A tooth’s pulp chamber might be opened up due to severe decay or damage to a tooth. This gives oral bacteria access to the soft tissues there, so it is only a matter before infection follows. Root canal treatment can be performed to clean out the pulp chamber and seal it back up, preventing and treating infection.

What to expect after root canal treatment

Root canal therapy typically takes about an hour to complete per tooth. The procedure starts with a local anesthetic injected around the affected tooth. The anesthetic numbs the area, so the patient does not feel pain as the dentist works.

A hole is made to reach the pulp chamber, and dental files are used to remove the soft tissues in the pulp. Medication is inserted into the tooth, and a material called gutta-percha is used to seal the tooth. It can then be rebuilt with composite bonding, or a crown can be placed to protect it. The tooth’s location often determines the dentist's approach. Teeth in the back of the mouth are often covered with crowns after root canals since they handle great bite forces, while front teeth can be restored with composites.

Recovery

Despite the many stories floating around about root canals being one of the most painful dental treatments a person can get, patients do not feel significant pain during the procedure, thanks to local anesthetics.

Patients do not experience much pain after the procedure either since there is no recovery period. Once the local anesthetic wears off, some patients might experience discomfort from their tooth being sore from the procedure. The pain can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers, and it should go away within 72 hours. Any pain beyond that point might be a sign of a complication and requires immediate dental treatment.

The restored tooth should be fully healed in about a week if the tooth is not irritated. Simple things patients can do to make their recovery go smoother include:

  • Stay away from hard and chewy foods for the first few days after getting a root canal
  • Use over-the-counter painkillers to alleviate any discomfort
  • Practice good oral hygiene to avoid needing more root canals in the future
  • Avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages for the first few days after the procedure

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Root Canal Treatment in Miami, FL

A root canal can save your tooth

Root canal therapy allows dentists to save infected, decayed, or damaged teeth. It helps to prevent infection and potentially needing to extract the tooth in the future. Think you might need a root canal? Give us a call or visit our Miami clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment or call South Florida Dental Arts at 305-230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.

Recent Posts

How Common Is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal treatment is capable of retaining the natural tooth structure and replacing the damaged pulp with a dental filling. This procedure has a reputation of being painful. Even so, many people still have it. If you want to know how common a root canal treatment is, here are the details.Studies show that dentists…

Can Multiple Teeth Need A Root Canal Treatment?

Most people find root canal treatment frightening. This procedure has a bad reputation for being painful and unpleasant. But your dentist has the skills and instruments necessary to handle the process efficiently and with minimal pain. There is a possibility that a patient may have numerous teeth that require extensive treatment. The dentist can assess…

The FAQs Of A Root Canal Treatment

A root canal treatment may sound terrifying, but it is a necessary procedure. This procedure has a reputation for being uncomfortable. It is no wonder that you might want more information about what to expect. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you get a better understanding of a root canal.The simple explanation of…

Recent Posts

Benefits Of Professional Teeth Whitening Sessions

Benefits Of Professional Teeth Whitening Sessions

Professional teeth whitening sessions can get you the white set of teeth you have always wanted. It involves using products that contain whitening agents like hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen carbamide to oxidize stains and remove them. What is the difference between professional teeth whitening treatments and the countless products sold at drug stores, you ask?…

Can People With Tooth Decay Get Teeth Whitening Treatments

Can People With Tooth Decay Get Teeth Whitening Treatments

Tooth decay and teeth whitening treatments simply do not mix. The bleaching agents used for the treatment weaken enamel. That can lead to discomfort and damage to teeth structures if the patient has existing issues like cavities. If the patient’s teeth are healthy, the procedure only leads to temporary increased teeth sensitivity that should go…