Root canals are one of the most well-known, but also one of the most feared dental procedures in the world. While they are usually not your dentist’s go-to procedure for minor injuries or cavities, you might need to have a root canal if the infection has spread. The process removes infected pulp from your tooth to prevent it from getting into your bloodstream, which could have fatal effects. Thankfully, root canals have come a long way and our dentists can ensure that the process is both painless and successful.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take to Heal?
But the biggest question is, how long does a root canal take to heal? Are there any big recovery steps required? Keep reading as our dentist in Rialto helps you by answering these questions and more.
The Root Canal Procedure: What to Expect
Your dentist will recommend that you get a root canal if you are in danger of losing your tooth. Tooth decay forms on your tooth when there is a buildup of bacteria, sugar, plaque, and dangerous tartar. When this decay is spotted quickly, it can usually be wiped out with a professional cleaning or a cavity and filling. But if the decay is not noticed before it starts to spread and it has reached the root or pulp of your tooth, then you might need to get a root canal ASAP.
During a root canal procedure, your dentist will numb the surrounding area so that you will not feel pain or discomfort. Once you are completely numb, the dentist will make a small hole in the crown of your tooth and put a tiny tool inside to scoop out the infected pulp. While this “deadens” the nerves of your tooth, it still leaves it intact so that it can still serve as a functional part of your mouth.
Root Canal Healing Process
Most patients will be happy to know that root canal healing is quick, with most patients feeling fully recovered within a week following the procedure. For the first few days, it is normal to feel a little bit of inflammation or discomfort. Your mouth will likely remain swollen around the procedure area for up to 72 hours. After this point, it should subside. Your dentist can give you pain medication to make you more comfortable during the initial few days.
If you have any lingering pain, discomfort, or sensitivity after one week following your procedure, you should get in touch with your dentist right away and schedule another appointment. By this point in time, you should be able to eat, drink, and speak normally without feeling any more pain. You may need to withhold from eating hard or sticky foods for the first couple of days until your teeth can handle hard substances again.
Prolong Root Canal Results With Aftercare
You can make yourself even more comfortable after your root canal treatment by investing in a little bit of at-home aftercare. You are welcome to brush and floss the area at night, but make sure you do so very carefully. Gently wash the area with water to ensure that no new bacteria get into the sensitive parts of your mouth. Keep yourself from chewing on anything hard or crunchy on that side of your mouth until your pain has gone away. You may have receive a temporary filling. We will replace it with a crown to support the continued strengthening of your teeth.
Get a Root Canal in Rialto Today
If you have been dealing with lingering pain from a tooth infection and it just isn’t going away, you may need more than just a filling. Contact our Baseline Dental Care specialists today and ask about how you can get a root canal in Rialto and ease your uncomfortable symptoms. Don’t let the fear of this innovative and quick procedure keep you from doing what’s best for your health!
