A root canal procedure is one of the most common dental services, with 41,000 performed in the United States daily and 15 million performed annually, according to the American Association of Endodontists.
How do you know if you need a root canal? You may notice redness and swelling around the tooth, gum swelling, facial and neck swelling, toothaches, and temperature sensitivity. Your dentist can also discover infections during your routine dental appointment, just another reason to keep up with them regularly.
The following can directly cause tooth canal infections:
- Trauma to the tooth
- Deep decay
- Cracks, chips, or breaking of the tooth
- Repeated dental procedures
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a straightforward dental procedure that saves a badly infected or damaged tooth instead of extracting it. In the past, if a tooth had a diseased or injured nerve, the tooth would have needed to be removed. But today, with this simple procedure, dentists can save many of the infected roots.
By cleaning the canals of a tooth’s root and sealing them with a crown, you get to keep your natural teeth and prevent the need for dental implants, dental bridges, or removable partial dentures. This process also prevents the infection from spreading and eases those painful symptoms.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
At Dakota Dental, we can accomplish a successful root canal procedure in just a few short visits. The process ranges from 30-90 minutes, depending on the amount of infection and the tooth size and root systems.
Before we start, you will need an initial consultation to ensure you’re a good candidate for this procedure.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
The good news is most patients recover fairly quickly after a root canal. Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness in your mouth wears off (typically 2-4 hours). If you experience mild discomfort, you can easily mitigate it with OTC medication from your doctor. Call your doctor if you experience severe pain or discomfort beyond that week.
Directly following the procedure, you may need a ride home, depending on the level and type of sedation we use. At Dakota Dental, our dentists will talk you through the specifics of your individual process ahead of time so you are comfortable and prepared.
After-Care Treatment
After your root canal procedure, the main priority is to keep that area clean. You want to brush twice daily and floss once. We also recommend an antibacterial mouthwash to minimize germs. Until you have a permanent crown, you’ll want to avoid chewing on the tooth in question.
Related Reading: Dive deeper into this process by reading our article “Your Guide to Getting a Root Canal.”
Visit the Dedicated Team at Dakota Dental
If you need root canal therapy, you don’t want to wait until the problem worsens! The root canal cost is far less expensive than other treatments, such as extractions. Dakota Dental offers affordable dentistry you can trust, with care and comfort that makes visiting the dentist enjoyable.