Taking care of your teeth and gums is the best way to avoid tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, but even if you make regular visits to your Edwardsville dentist and practice good oral hygiene at home, the time may come when you need more than a routine cleaning.
If this happens, you’ll probably have questions about how long it will take for your mouth to “feel normal” again.
Let’s take a look at what you can expect after some of the most common dental procedures.
Dental Treatment Recovery Times
Your recovery time really depends on the procedure, but here are some general guidelines to keep in mind:
- Anesthesia — We use local anesthesia to completely numb the area we’re working on. For routine dental procedures, you can expect this numbness to wear off within one to four hours of your visit. While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite your tongue, cheek, or lips.
- Filling — It’s normal to feel slight discomfort or sensitivity after getting a filling, but these symptoms should disappear after 24-48 hours.
- Extraction — Removing a tooth can cause some swelling and discomfort, but your mouth should be back to normal within 48-72 hours.
- Root canal — Although you should feel significantly better after 48 hours, your mouth should be back to normal within three to five days. Some tenderness, swelling, and sensitivity should be expected after root canal therapy.
Tips for Faster Healing
There are some things you can do to heal more quickly and get back to your busy schedule as soon as possible, including the following:
- Eat soft foods, and avoid chewing on the treated tooth.
- Avoid drinking from a straw or smoking.
- Try to rest and avoid too much strenuous activity.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate discomfort.
- Call your dentist if you get a fever or notice unusual pain or swelling.
Need Quality Dentistry in Edwardsville, IL?
If you and your loved ones are looking for a new dental home, we’d love to meet you! At Hite Family Dentistry, we strive to help every patient achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they deserve.
To schedule an appointment with our experienced team, please feel free to reach out at (618) 656-9123.