Root Canal Recovery

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure that isimportant root canal complications that can lead to an
done, as a last resort to save the tooth fromextended root canal recovery period. In such cases,
extraction. Thus, it is only done when the patient hasthe patient experiences root canal pain after
excruciating pain that has its origin in the pulp chamberprocedure, which causes immense discomfort to him.
of the root canal. In such cases, the root canalAftercare
symptoms cannot be ignored and need to be attendedImmediately, after a procedure, there are certain
to, on a priority basis. However, once treatment is over,important aftercare instructions that need to be
many people often wonder about the healing time. Soreligiously followed. Ideally, the person should not eat
given below is a comprehensive explanation of thefrom the side of the treated tooth for, at least, a few
normal recovery period, along with the factorshours after the procedure. Also, often the dentist only
influencing it and measures to speed up the recoveryfills cement after a procedure, rather than placing a
time.silver filling to help the tooth heal, and this cement has
How Much is Root Canal Recovery Time?very poor strength and cannot withstand the
Root canal treatment is actually a final treatment thatmasticatory forces that it is subjected to. Hence, if the
is rendered to the patient as a last ditch effort toperson has a weak tooth structure, it is best to avoid
prevent the possibility of tooth extraction procedure.eating from that side, so as to prevent complications
Thus, while doing root canal treatment, it is importantlike tooth fracture, which could lead to the need of
for both, the dentist and the patient, to be veryre-treatment. Furthermore, if the tooth that was
involved in the procedure so as to ensure that it is atreated is very grossly destructed, then it will most
success. The normal recovery period is around threeprobably need a crown after the root canal procedure.
to four days, provided there are no complicationsIn such cases, it is best to completely, avoid chewing
involved. Ideally, the person will, at the most, feel a bitfrom that side of the mouth, as the tooth may easily
of sensitivity in the tooth but he should not feel anyfracture.
pain.How to Speed up Recovery
Factors Affecting RecoveryAt times, root canal recovery phase can be quite
Lack of knowledge about treatment and the recoverydiscomforting. This being said, here are some simple
period that follows makes many people cringe, uponmeasures which can be initiated to speed up the
experiencing slightest possible delay, in recovery time.recovery process.
In such circumstances, being aware of the factors* The patient must strictly, adhere to all the post
influencing recovery period can be of some help fortreatment instructions given by the dentist. Any kind of
the patient.deviation from the instructions could land the patient
Condition of toothand the dentist both, in a highly discomfiting yet,
The condition in which the tooth was indicated foravoidable situation.
treatment plays a very important part in determining* The dentist should try and perform the treatment, as
the healing time. If the tooth was greatly carious andthoroughly and in as aseptic an environment as
had a periapical abscess, then there are chances thatpossible, so as to minimize the possibility of any root
the recovery time will increase considerably. This iscanal problems.
because, in such cases, even the jawbone needs to* Sometimes, people tend to be in a hurry and hence,
heal, which takes lot of time. Also, if there was anrequest the dentist to complete the root canal
active infection in the tooth, then there are chancesprocedure in one sitting. However, the dentist should try
that it will take longer to heal because the toxinsand diagnose the case correctly, before doing the
secreted by the pathogens take longer to flush out.procedure in single sitting. Ideally, one sitting root canals
Expertise of Dentistare only recommended for long standing cases of
The way in which the root canal treatment was donenecrosed pulps etc. Teeth that have an active
will also, greatly influence the recovery time of theinfection should not be done in one sitting, as complete
tooth. If the root canal procedure is done thoroughly,drainage of the pus takes time.
ensuring removal of the carious and diseased portionThus, as explained above there are many different
of the pulp, then there are high chances of a speedyfactors that influence the recovery period. However,
recovery. However, if there is even a bit of infectionprovided the treatment is done properly and the post
left behind, then there could be a flare-up at any point,treatment instructions are followed religiously, one
resulting in a reinfection, which is one of the mostneedn't worry too much about the recovery period.