How Long Does It Take to Recover After Root Canal Therapy?
If you have a severely damaged or painful tooth, your trusted team at Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics may recommend a root canal treatment. The routine, relatively comfortable procedure will relieve your pain and save the affected tooth. Here’s a look at the root canal procedure and what to expect during the recovery process.
Why Would You Require Root Canal Therapy?
Untreated tooth decay can sometimes progress and affect the inner pulp, which is made up of blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. Inflamed or infected pulp tooth pulp can cause severe pain and serious complications. The infection can spread to the surrounding teeth and can even enter the bloodstream, affecting your oral and overall health.
A root canal treatment is an endodontic procedure that involves removing an infected tooth’s inner pulp tissues, relieving you of your pain, and restoring your damaged tooth. Despite what you may have heard, the treatment is relatively comfortable and routine, comparable to having a cavity repaired using a dental filling.
What Happens During a Root Canal Treatment?
We will start by taking 3D images of your mouth and oral structures and closely examine the affected tooth. Next, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic for your comfort. If you are anxious about your treatment, we are happy to discuss our sedation dentistry options so you can relax in the dentist’s chair.
Once the area is numb and you are comfortable, we will make a small opening in the tooth’s crown to access the infected pulp and remove it. Next, we will reshape the root canals, disinfect the area, place a medication, fill the root canals with a rubbery material known as gutta-percha, and seal the space with a filling material.
After a root canal treatment, your general dentist will place a dental crown on your treated tooth to protect it and prevent it from further damage or infection. Root canals are highly successful, and with proper care, your treated tooth can last a lifetime!
How Long Is Recovery After a Root Canal?
After the procedure, you may experience slight swelling and sensitivity, but you should feel normal in a day or two. If you experience discomfort, it’s usually mild compared to the pain caused by an infected tooth, and it is easily controlled using over-the-counter pain medication.
To promote healing, follow any aftercare instructions we provide. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth with the treated tooth for a few days. Most importantly, return to your general dentist for your permanent restoration to protect your treated tooth and avoid re-infection. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call our office.
Root Canal Therapy Near Me
If you have a damaged or painful tooth, our Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs Endodontics team is here to help. We are committed to using the latest technology and techniques to provide our valued patients with exceptional care and service. We invite you to call us to schedule your appointment today!