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You've booked your appointment for a root canal. Naturally, you're likely wondering what's involved in root canal recovery and how much time it will take to heal. Our Edmonton dentists have some answers for you.
Root Canal Recovery Time: What You Need to Know
The day has finally come; it's your root canal procedure has been scheduled. While you may be dreading this appointment and feeling unsure about this treatment option due to fear of pain, our Edmonton dentists can address any questions or concerns you may have.
We will also use anesthesia to numb the area and help prevent pain during the procedure. Following the treatment, you'll need some time to heal.
In this post, we'll discuss what the procedure involves, how long it takes to recover from a root canal, what you should know to support healing (and what to avoid), along with potential complications and general advice for a smooth recovery.
What is a root canal?
A root canal procedure is relatively simple and can relieve the throbbing, nagging pain that often accompanies an infection in your tooth. Other symptoms may include pain while biting or chewing, bad breath, increased tooth sensitivity, high fever and facial swelling.
The treatment involves one to three visits to the dentist, who will examine your mouth to identify where the infection or damage is and determine whether there are underlying issues that require urgent medical attention, in addition to whether other teeth have been impacted.
On the day of your appointment, the dentist will apply local anesthesia to the site, then extract the dead or infected nerves from your damaged tooth, clean and seal the interior of the tooth. The tooth will then be filled with a dental filling.
If your tooth had extensive decay, the dentist may recommend placing a dental crown to strengthen the tooth and protect it from fracture.
Having a root canal can clean the infection from your tooth, calm throbbing pain and give you back the ability to chew your food properly (not to mention get a good night's rest due to the relief from that severe pain).
During the procedure, your dentist will use a local anesthetic to prevent pain. By the time a few hours have passed, the anesthetic will have faded.
How long does a root canal procedure take?
A typical root canal treatment takes between 30 and 90 minutes. Many variables can affect the duration of a root canal procedure, including:
- The severity of the infection in the tooth's pulp
- The location of the infected tooth in the mouth
- Whether the tooth needs a permanent filling or crown after the procedure is complete
How long does it take to recover from a root canal?
One of the most common questions we receive at Azarko Dental Group is, "How long does it take for a root canal to heal?" Most patients recover after a few days or so.
You may experience some irritation or soreness for the first 24 to 48 hours, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. Applying a cold cloth or compress can also help alleviate pain and aid recovery.
During the root canal recovery period, maintain your daily hygiene routine, including brushing and flossing. Do not apply too much pressure or chew with the affected tooth until the dental crown or filling has been placed.
Sometimes, complications may develop after root canal treatment, increasing recovery time. Contact your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Swelling does not improve after one to two days
- Your bite feels uncomfortable
- The temporary filling falls out
- You continue to experience pain or swelling in the gums, similar to before the procedure
Root Canal Treatment at Azarko Dental Group
Your Edmonton dentist will be able to assess your dental issue and determine whether a root canal procedure is required. While you may feel some trepidation prior to the procedure, we always welcome questions and can address concerns you may have about preparation, treatment and recovery.
In addition to reducing pain, a root canal treatment can prevent the need for tooth extraction, which can lead to long-term oral health issues.