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Jan 23, 2019|Root Canal Therapy

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Root Canal Therapy in Carmel?

Old man having tooth pain

You’ve been suffering from pain from a damaged tooth, and it appears that you’ll need root canal therapy in Carmel to restore it. You’d first like to know how long it will take to recover from the procedure. Also, what can you do to encourage healing? Read on to get the answers you need.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

If you have prolonged tooth decay that has traveled past the dentin area and has made its way into the more sensitive inner area of the tooth, then your dentist may recommend that you undergo root canal therapy to restore it.

The purpose of the procedure is to remove the nerve that has been irritated along with the bacteria that are causing your acute pain. The treatment starts with the dentist making an incision into the tooth, which allows access to the inner area where the canals and nerve are housed.

Here are the next steps that are taken:

  • The decayed tissue is removed.
  • The area is thoroughly cleaned and then packed with a compound called gutta-percha.
  • The tooth is then sealed using special dental cement.
Two Options for a Final Restoration

After the procedure is done, you’ll have two options for a final restoration. Typically, with the traditional method, a root canal takes at least two visits to complete. At the first appointment, your dentist will capture bite impressions and then send them to an in-network lab that will fabricate a crown restoration.

The other route is for the dentist to create a same-day dental crown using the chairside economical restoration of the esthetic ceramics (CEREC) system. Using the in-office milling machine, in a single visit, you’ll be left with a completely restored smile.

What’s the Typical Recovery Time?

After you’ve received root canal therapy, you can generally expect to feel slight discomfort for the next 24-48 hours, which will typically be no more painful than a standard cavity filling. There may also be some light bleeding from the treatment site, which should dissipate as well.

The best way to stay on track with recovering from the procedure is to eat soft foods like apple sauce and mashed potatoes after the procedure is done and to be sure to carefully perform oral hygiene, avoiding the treatment area for the next two-to-three days.

Questions You Should Ask Your Dentist

To aid in the healing process, you should ask your dentist some of the following questions:

  • How will I know when it’s okay to eat normal foods again?
  • What types of pain relievers are sufficient to use?
  • If the pain lasts longer than two-to-three days, should I be concerned?

By seeking the expert care of your dentist in Carmel and asking the above questions, you can receive the professional instruction you need to ensure that you recover from the root canal procedure effectively. Thus, you can soon get back to leading a normal life.

About the Author

For over 30 years, Dr. David J. Kristoff has been providing the best in dental care to the Carmel area. Since earning his dental degree from The Indiana University School of Dentistry, he has remained steadfast in his efforts to stay abreast of the latest changes in dentistry. Thus, Dr. Kristoff maintains professional affiliation with such organizations as the International College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Society. He performs root canal therapy at his private practice, and he can be reached for more information through his website.

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