Root canals are often used to treat decayed teeth and save them from being extracted, but you may be wondering when you should be getting one. While it’s always better to save your natural teeth than replace them with implants or dentures, knowing when to get a how long to do root canal can keep you from having to pay the hefty price tag that comes with these services. This article provides an overview of how long root canals last and when you should consider getting one to ensure that your smile lasts as long as possible!
How Long Do I Have to Wait Before Another Appointment?
When you’re in pain, waiting for an appointment can feel like an eternity. If you’re having dental issues, however, it might be best to wait and give your body time to heal. A serious infection is often accompanied by swelling in your gums and jaw, making it extremely difficult to properly assess what needs to be done; most dentists suggest trying to get better on your own before jumping into treatment.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Since every person’s mouth is different, there is no set time for how long root canal procedure takes. However, you should know that any type of dental surgery will take longer if you are under sedation. General anesthesia typically adds between 30 and 60 minutes to total time. The length of time it takes to complete your root canal depends on several factors: difficulty of your case, type of anesthesia used and equipment available in your dentist’s office. If more than one tooth has been infected, expect extra time for cleaning out roots before starting work on other teeth.
How Long Will My Tooth Need Protection After the Procedure?
The biggest factor in how long you need to take care of your tooth after getting a root canal is whether or not you follow your dentist’s instructions. If everything goes well and you do as he says, your tooth will be protected for several months. But if you choose to skip important steps—like flossing, brushing, and keeping food from getting stuck in your teeth—your tooth could become damaged again within a matter of weeks. It all depends on how closely you adhere to your dentist’s instructions. The only way to make sure that doesn’t happen is by doing exactly what he tells you to do when he tells you.
How Long Do I Have to Avoid Sticky Foods and Sugars?
If you have a root canal, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth as long as possible. Depending on what was removed during your root canal procedure, you may need to avoid sticky foods and sugars for 2-3 weeks. After that time period has passed, introduce new foods gradually and be mindful about keeping your mouth clean with good oral hygiene practices. Be sure to brush twice daily and floss once daily to prevent future decay from developing along those teeth after a root canal procedure has been completed.
Can My Tooth Be Restored With a Crown Instead of a Root Canal?
A crown can be used to restore teeth that have been affected by decay or trauma. Crowns are cemented on top of an existing tooth and help prevent further damage, which could otherwise lead to root canal therapy. Before getting your tooth restored with a crown, consult with your dentist about whether you’re a good candidate for restorative dentistry. If so, it may be possible to avoid root canal treatment altogether!
How Can I Tell If I’m in Pain from My Tooth, My Gums, or Something Else Entirely?
It’s easy to say that if your mouth hurts, you should have it checked out by a dentist. But how do you know whether your pain is tooth-related or caused by something else entirely, like an infection in your gums or jaw? Tooth pain tends to vary depending on where in your mouth it’s located and what kind of problem is causing it. It could be sharp, dull, throbbing, tingling…the list goes on. To figure out what’s going on with your teeth, take our quick quiz to find out where your pain falls on five different kinds of toothaches.
What Kind of Symptoms Might Mean That I Have an Infection in My Mouth or Gums Besides Just Pain From My Teeth?
If you have been in an accident or experience pain that doesn’t go away after an examination by your dentist, you might be experiencing an infection from deep within your tooth or gums. Pain that lasts for days and is so severe it causes nausea and vomiting could be a sign of periodontal disease. See your dentist if your mouth hurts for longer than two days, even after taking over-the-counter pain medications. Before undergoing any kind of treatment, however, call to make sure it isn’t dental trauma or stress causing your discomfort. (Read more on how long root canal.)