Sometimes when an endodontic patient hears the phrase “root canal,” it strikes fear into their very heart. Today’s procedures are nothing to be afraid of, especially for patients of Phoenix Endodontic Group.
During a root canal, the innermost part of the tooth is removed, cleaned, and filled. Finally, a crown will be set in place to finish it off and create a strong new tooth. The procedure typically takes anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours total, depending on how badly the tooth is damaged and how much repair must be done. Your endodontist will take great care to make sure you don’t feel any discomfort while the procedure is taking place and to help you with any anxiety you might have.
According to Dr. Jacqueline Allen, when asking patients about their pain level on a scale of one to ten, the majority of patients would report a pain level of “three, after 48 hours, all teeth treated with a root canal should be completely pain free between 5 to 7 days after the procedure.” She goes on to note that “Some patients come to us with acute discomfort due to infection (waiting too long), in that case the healing process may take a little longer.”
After your root canal is complete, any pain that you do feel can be treated with the use of ibuprofen taken consistently for the first couple of days. For patients with more complicated cases and have higher pain levels, “prescription for a pain reliever can be prescribed to break the cycle of pain.” Dr. Allen also mentions a drug-free way of handling post-procedure pain: “A cold compress 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off will help ease swelling and discomfort.”
Most patients find the mild discomfort of a root canal to be very temporary, and are so pleased with the result that they soon forget about any brief moments of discomfort they may have felt. With Dr. Allen of Phoenix Endodontic Group helping you, all you’ll notice is your beautifully restored and pain-free tooth!
