Did you have a root canal? If so, you’re probably wondering how long it will take to recover from your root canal procedure. There are many factors that contribute to the length of time it takes to fully recover from root canal treatment, including: if you had an open or closed-ended (also called endodontic) procedure; if you used anesthesia during your treatment; and if you had local or general anesthesia during your treatment.
Location
There are several options when it comes to root canal recovery time. Patients can opt for a local anesthetic or general anesthesia. Local is preferred by most patients because it’s relatively inexpensive and usually doesn’t require any special monitoring after treatment. However, since local anesthetics are more likely to cause side effects such as nausea, dizziness and dry mouth, if you have dental anxiety it might be better for you choose a regional or general anesthetic with intravenous sedation (IV). With either option, though, there are still some steps that you can take before your treatment that will help with your root canal recovery time and reduce your discomfort once you leave the dentist office. Here’s what you need to know
- Start taking painkillers right away. As soon as you get home from your root canal procedure, start taking painkillers regularly to keep inflammation down and minimize swelling in your jaw.
- Avoid certain foods until after root canal recovery time has passed If you experience swelling in your face or jaw, avoid spicy foods that may irritate it further during root canal recovery time .
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol during root canal recovery time Smoking increases blood flow to inflamed areas of tissue which can make them swell even more . Alcohol also irritates tissue so avoid drinking while recovering from a root canal procedure .
Symptoms
Root canal treatments have evolved a lot over time, and today’s methods are more advanced than ever. The procedure itself is relatively quick (approximately 2 hours), but you’ll need to take some time off work to recover. According to DentistryIQ, typical root canal recovery time is 4-6 weeks with full function returning after 12 weeks or so.for six weeks you’ll also want to avoid smoking and drinking wine.
Treatment Options
Root canal treatments vary. The goal is to remove infected tissue while saving as much healthy tooth structure as possible. In most cases, your dentist will begin by numbing your mouth and carefully cleaning out all of infected material from inside your tooth using a tiny drill. Next, they’ll disinfect and seal off any canals before filling them with a special cement or fillings. Finally, you’ll need root canal recovery time for any swelling and pain in your mouth to subside before you can return to normal activities. If you have any questions about root canal recovery time or treatment options, don’t hesitate to ask! Most important things during root canal treatment are: Remaining calm , because panicking may increase jaw tension
Root Canal Cost
The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on a number of factors, including your location, what type of treatment you require and how many teeth you need treated. Most root canals are completed in one appointment so there is no need for a follow up visit; therefore, your overall cost may vary from that quoted by your dentist. For example, if you require a single root canal procedure but have four infected teeth it may be more cost effective to have all four infected teeth extracted and replaced with dental implants than undergo four separate root canal procedures. As with most treatments, most patients are covered by their health insurance policy so check with your dental care provider for more information about costs associated with root canal treatments.
The Procedure
Root canal recovery time can vary depending on how extensive treatment was required, but there are several steps that people take during recovery that help with overall dental health and alleviate symptoms. Start by making sure you aren’t flossing too hard or pressing on your gums, both of which can aggravate root canal pain. To speed up healing and reduce swelling, use a cold compress over your face while resting. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief every six hours as directed. Also avoid smoking or drinking hot liquids; instead, drink plenty of water to flush debris from your mouth.
Post-Treatment Care
Depending on where you’re at in your root canal treatment, there are a few ways to help speed up recovery time. For example, if you’ve had a local anesthetic, it may take several hours for that numbing effect to wear off.
Alternative Treatments
The most effective way to get rid of a toothache is, of course, prevention. But if you’re in a lot of pain and need relief quickly, it can be tempting to seek out an alternative to root canal. There are many options available, including prescription medication and other home remedies. If you’re looking for immediate pain relief that won’t cost you much money, here are some of your best options
