How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

Are you suffering from throbbing pain, and your dentist has suggested you have a root canal treatment? Do you have worries about the procedure? We understand - root canal procedures can cause worry to some people as it is an invasive procedure that might involve extracting the infected tooth. But don’t be worried; we will help you by walking you through every step. At PS Dental, our root canal specialists use the latest dental equipment and state-of-the-art technology to achieve maximum precision in root canal procedures.

What is a root canal treatment?

Decay can cause bacteria to eat away and weaken the tooth enamel, thus reducing the protection between the tooth nerves and the outside world. Untreated, advanced decay can affect the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue of the teeth leading to an infection. When the infection invades the pulp and tooth root, a root canal treatment would be necessary to eliminate the infection and prevent tooth loss and other consequences.

Root canal therapy is a safe and effective procedure to eliminate dental infection and maintain the quality of the teeth. 

When do we need a root canal infection?

You may be suffering from a root canal infection if you have the following symptoms:

• Persistent toothache
• Pain while chewing or biting
• Increased tooth sensitivity 
• Bad breath
• Swelling of lymph nodes or face
• High fever

Though all these symptoms may indicate a root canal infection, only your root canal specialist can identify your needs and schedule your treatment. 

How does root canal treatment work? 

Root canal treatments are recommended by dentists only when no other treatments can save an infected tooth. When the dental pulp or the soft tissue in the center of a tooth becomes infected, a root canal treatment would be necessary. During the treatment, your dentist begins by administering sedation to numb the mouth. Once the sedation takes effect, the dentist creates an opening in the top of the tooth, eliminates the infected pulp, and dries the inside of the tooth. Later, the area is filled with a biocompatible substance before closing the hole. The dentist places a dental crown or a permanent filling to protect the tooth a few weeks later.

What factors affect the length of the root canal procedure?

Root canal treatment generally requires between 30 and 90 minutes and can be performed in a single visit. The different variables that can affect the duration of a root canal treatment include the following: 

• The severity of the root canal infection
• The location of the affected tooth within the mouth 
• Whether the tooth needs a permanent filling or a crown later

How long does it need to recover from a root canal?

In most cases, patients require only a few days to recover from a root canal procedure. After the procedure, the patient may feel some irritation or soreness for the first 24 to 48 hours. To manage this pain and soreness, your dentist will prescribe over-the-counter pain medication. Besides, applying a cold compress can also help address these issues and assist in smooth and speedy recovery. Even during the recovery period, do not skip your daily oral hygiene practices involving brushing and daily flossing. Do not apply much pressure or chew with the treated tooth until the dental crown or filling is placed.

However, after a root canal treatment, if you continue to feel the following symptoms, contact us:  

• Your bite seems uncomfortable.
• The swelling does not recede even after one or two days.
• The temporary filling comes out.
• You continue to experience swelling or pain in the gums like before the treatment.

Do you still have doubts about the root canal treatment, or are you planning to get one? Call PS Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (503) 574-4000 or schedule an appointment online.