Even if you’re visiting your dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene, you may eventually need to undergo root canal therapy in order to fix damaged teeth or save teeth that would otherwise be lost to an abscessed tooth or other issue. But how long does a root canal take to heal? Not as long as you might think! Read on to learn more about this common dental procedure and what you can expect during your recovery period.
Some basic information
A root canal procedure is typically performed by an endodontist and requires one or two visits depending on your treatment. It’s a minor surgery that can usually be completed in one appointment, but some people will require return visits for more specialized procedures. The length of time it takes for you to fully recover after receiving treatment depends on what type of tooth was affected and how much work had to be done during your procedure.
The process of dealing with toothache
Toothaches are never fun, but it’s especially bad when you’re having an infected tooth pulled or dealing with one that needs major dental surgery. If you have ever had to go through a root canal, getting your tooth pulled, or any other invasive oral procedure, you know how much pain they can cause. Here is what happens after your dentist numbs your gums and pulls out some of your teeth in order to save them
porcelain veneers near me
When it comes to dental procedures, no one wants to have their teeth drilled or reshaped. For those who want a faster and more comfortable dental experience, porcelain veneers near me are an ideal solution. By covering your teeth with layers of material, dentists can give you a bright smile in little time. Read on for more information about how long does a root canal take to heal, as well as some helpful facts about porcelain veneers near me.
Treatment options if you can’t get into the dentist right away
If you can’t get into your dentist right away, you can use an over-the-counter treatment like Orajel (an anesthetic). It will relieve your pain until you see your dentist. The active ingredient in Orajel is benzocaine, which is similar to novocaine (Novocain), but not as strong. You'll also want to take ibuprofen for pain relief, especially if there's still any bleeding.
How will your insurance cover the procedure
Root canals typically aren’t covered by health insurance, so be sure you know what your coverage is before getting one. If you have an individual plan through your employer, for example, many employers will help cover certain dental treatments. The key is to find out whether it’s considered an emergency procedure and if your dentist is in-network for your plan.
Are there any alternative treatments out there?
Depending on your pain level, you may be able to get some relief from alternative treatments. To speed up healing, you can try hot and cold compresses with pain relievers, as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. However, keep in mind that while these alternatives could be effective in lessening your symptoms—like severe pain or swelling—there’s no evidence that they’ll speed up tooth healing.
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