Root canal treatments are a common and relatively painless procedure. The treatment involves removing bacteria from the infected root canal, to prevent reinfection and perserve the tooth.
First, the infection is removed by drilling carefully into the tooth and extracting the affected pulp; next, the tooth's inner chamber is thoroughly cleansed and disinfected. The chamber is then filled and sealed, and the healthy portion of the tooth is restored with a crown. Once restored, the tooth can be expected to last as long as its healthy counterpart would have, given proper care.
Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect
Timeframe
Generally, a root canal treatment can be performed in one appointment. If there are further complications or the infection is more severe, two appointments may be neccessary.
Pain Management
Since local anesthesia is used in the procedure, a root canal treatment isn't any more painful to undergo than a routine dental filling. There may be some pain as the anesthesia wears off, however this is usually mild and can be eased with over the counter painkillers.
Recovery Time
Allow 2-3 days to fully recover. It's fine to resume normal activities immediately after the treatment, although you should wait until the anesthesia fully wears off before eating.
