A root canal procedure is a long-term solution with many benefits. It’s also quick and painless.

Suppose you need a root canal to get rid of your throbbing toothache. But you have a busy schedule and want to know how long it takes to do a root canal. The good news is that it won’t take too much time out of your day because a root canal can be performed in just one office visit.

The dentists at Espire Dental in Wyoming have years of experience treating patients using root canals. To help you prepare for the visit, keep reading to learn what you can expect.

What to expect during your root canal

Besides severe and persistent pain, an infected tooth may be sensitive to hot and cold and hurt when pressure is applied. The gums around the tooth may swell, and a pus-filled pimple may develop. The tooth may feel loose as the pulp becomes more and more infected. 

A root canal removes the infection and saves most of the natural tooth. It’s also one of the most commonly performed dental procedures with a success rate in the 90 percent range. The American Association of Endodontists estimates that about 25 million root canals are done yearly.

No special preparation is required for a root canal. You can take your medications as prescribed, but refrain from smoking. Your dentist may also prescribe an antibiotic.

Despite what you may have heard, root canals are not painful! A local anesthetic will numb the tooth, or intravenous sedation can be administered if you suffer from extreme dental anxiety.

Once the tooth is numbed, the dentist will drill down to the pulp to remove the infected portions. The pulp and the canals will be cleaned and filled with a rubbery substance called gutta-percha. A temporary filling seals the tooth to prevent bacteria from re-entering the tooth. 

In most cases, you’ll need a crown to complete the root canal. It typically takes up to two weeks to make the permanent crown, but you can also have it made the same day.

Your root canal aftercare

You can expect a short recovery period after the root canal. You may experience minor pain and sensitivity, but that should last only about a week. Over-the-counter medications can alleviate the pain, and an ice pack can reduce swelling. To speed up the healing process, try these tips: 

Stick to your regular dental care routine. Brush and floss as usual, but be careful around the treated tooth. Rinse with a non-alcohol-based mouthwash to lessen any irritation. A better choice would be to swish warm water and salt in your mouth.

Eat soft foods. Eat soft foods and avoid spicy or sugary foods that could irritate the area around the tooth. Since chomping down on the treated tooth could cause pain, chew on the opposite side of the treated tooth.

Don’t smoke or drink. Alcohol and tobacco interfere with the body’s ability to heal. So avoid smoking and consuming alcohol for a few days after the treatment. Even better, use the root canal as motivation to quit.

Elevate your head at night. When you sleep, elevate your head to reduce swelling. You’ll wake up with less pain.

Limit strenuous exercise. Exercises that make you bounce your head or jaw will make the treated tooth hurt more. Try a less strenuous workout for a few days.

Contact your dentist if you experience lingering pain or notice signs of infection. You may need re-treatment. But chances are your root canal will preserve your tooth for a long time.

Your root canal experts in Wyoming

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Casper, Wyoming, location today! Our highly trained dentists have performed many successful root canals and will help you preserve your healthy tooth. Don’t live near our Casper, Wyoming, office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Casper, Wyoming
1530 Centennial Ct. 
Suite A 
Casper, WY 82609