How Long Does It Take for A Root Canal to Fully Heal?
What Is a Root Canal?
It is a dental procedure in endodontic dentistry that treats and repairs diseased and damaged teeth. Root canal treatments in Phoenix entail treating a tooth from the inside out, riding it or bacteria and damaged tissues that compromise functionality. The presiding benefit of a root canal near you is that it protects teeth to lengthen their life and prevent tooth loss.
When Would You Need a Root Canal Procedure?
Not every diseased or damaged tooth can benefit from a root canal procedure. Usually, the dentist must comprehensively evaluate a tooth to determine its state before recommending the best treatment plan. When your tooth is severely decayed or damaged, a root canal may not be the best solution. In such cases, your dentist will recommend active extraction followed by a tooth replacement procedure like dental implants. Some of the circumstances where a dentist can recommend a root canal treatment are:
- Deep tooth fracture – a cracked or broken tooth can be restored through a root canal, particularly if it is deep enough to impact the nerve endings.
- Dental decay – the degree of tooth decay and the depth of a cavity can determine whether or not an endodontic treatment would be suitable to repair and restore your tooth.
- Tooth hypersensitivity – if you experience discomfort when you drink cold or hot fluids or breathe in dry air, you may need a root canal procedure to restore your tooth.
How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?
A root canal procedure entails an invasive treatment that targets the central part of the tooth. The dentist will begin your treatment by numbing your mouth, so you do not experience any pain or discomfort during Your procedure. Afterward, your dentist in Phoenix will drill a hole in your tooth that allows access to the inner layers.
The focus of the treatment is the pulp chamber, which is the central part of the tooth. It houses the tooth’s soft tissues, including connective tissues, nerve endings, and blood vessels. When a tooth is infected, these tissues suffer severe damage. The role of an endodontist in a dental office near you is to remove the infected tissues and read the truth of any bacteria.
After cleaning, your dentist will reshape the canal and fill it with a special material to maintain its compactness. The final step entails sealing the whole with dental fillings and crowns to restore optimal functionality after treatment. In some cases, a dental crown is optional.
What Happens After Root Canal Treatment?
When you leave our offices at Healthy Smiles, your mouth is most likely still going to feel numb. The numbness will continue for a few hours and then wear off. When it does, you will regain sensation in your mouth, which is why you will experience a few side effects, including the following:
- Heightened tooth sensitivity
- Tender and sore gums
- An uneven bite
- Slight dental pain and discomfort
- Swelling
How Long Will It Take for A Root Canal to Heal Completely?
Technically, you should only experience the side effects during the first week of recovery. As you continue to eat and speak normally, most of the side effects will wear off. Besides, your dentist will prescribe medication to help manage pain and swelling during the first week of recovery.
However, it takes about 7 to 10 days for a tooth to heal after a root canal procedure. If you experience further discomfort or pain after 14 days, you should visit your dentist to find the underlying cause. You will know that healing is happening as it should when you notice that your symptoms are getting better or have been eliminated. Therefore, if your condition worsens, you need urgent care near you.
Can It Take Months for A Root Canal to Heal?
The nature of your endodontic procedure often dictates how long it takes for you to heal. A simple root canal therapy requires about a week to heal. However, if you undergo a surgical endodontic procedure, it may take a few months for the bone and gums to heal well. It can even occur for six months. In those cases, your dentist will inform you about the anticipated recovery time.