What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure performed to save a tooth when the infection or deep decay has reached the nerves of the tooth. Not every tooth decay requires endodontic treatment. It is applied when a dental filling is insufficient, especially in cases of inflammation, advanced decay, or pain and sensitivity.
If tooth decay is not treated in time, it can progress deeper and cause inflammation of the nerves inside the tooth. Inflammation of the dental nerves may lead to severe toothache, increased sensitivity to hot and cold, and discoloration of the tooth.
While the outer part of the tooth consists of a hard enamel layer, the inner part contains a space extending along the root that houses nerve and blood vessel tissues. These tissues, located in the pulp chamber at the center of the tooth, provide vitality and life to the tooth. During root canal treatment, the soft tissue called pulp, which contains the nerve and vessels inside the natural canal space, is removed along with the nerve, the inside of the tooth is cleaned, and the opened space is then filled.
The removed nerve is not essential for the tooth’s health or function, but its removal helps eliminate severe pain. This nerve is only responsible for sensing hot and cold. Contrary to popular belief, the patient does not feel pain during the root canal procedure. Like in a filling treatment, the surrounding tissues and the tooth are effectively anesthetized, and the procedure is usually completed within an hour. With the advancement of systems and devices used to widen root canals, the duration of the treatment has shortened and the process has become much easier.
How Long Does Pain Last After a Root Canal Treatment?
Some patients may feel sensitivity to pressure within the first 48 hours after a root canal treatment, while others may not experience any pain at all. Pain in the treated tooth usually subsides within 2–3 days. However, this duration may vary depending on the individual's tooth structure, the severity of the infection, and the treatment performed. Normally, the pain is expected to gradually decrease and completely disappear within a few days. Factors such as the level of infection in the root canals, intervention to surrounding tissues, the type of filling materials used, and the height of the temporary filling can either shorten or extend this period.
How Many Days Does It Take to Recover from a Root Canal Treatment?
Thanks to modern anesthesia techniques and advanced dental practices, no pain is felt during the treatment. Post-treatment pain may occur as the effect of the local anesthesia wears off. While removing the nerve tissue inside the tooth, the surrounding tissues may be slightly irritated, which is a normal part of the process. Recovery from a root canal treatment may take anywhere from 2–3 days up to a week. This duration can vary depending on the individual and the specific case.
