How long are root canal procedures

A dentist will recommend a root canal procedure after examining a tooth. If you have any of the following symptoms, it is recommended you get a dentist to assess whether a root canal procedure is necessary. While these are common symptoms of a root canal infection, there are other causes for these symptoms, so it is always essential to get your teeth inspected by a dental specialist.

A dentist may need to analyze with x-rays or visual inspections to assess whether a root canal shows any signs of infection. If you are lucky, a dentist may notice a root canal infection during a regular check-up before you feel any pain. It is still recommended root canal treatment is undertaken if there is any sign of infection regardless of pain as pain can develop, and symptoms can worsen at any time. A tooth can become infected or inflamed for a variety of reasons.

While poor dental hygiene is a factor that can cause root canal infections, it is not the only possible cause, so you do not need to feel alarmed or embarrassed by the need for a root canal procedure.

The tooth may be cracked or chipped, but there does not need to be visible signs of damage for root canal infections to occur. Sometimes, even repeated treatments on a tooth may unintentionally expose a root canal. If the pulp within a root canal is exposed to bacteria, it can become infected, inflamed and in some cases, the pulp can die, slowly causing the tooth to rot.

A root canal procedure is a treatment regime that removes any infected pulp and replaces it with dental material, ensuring the root canal is bacteria free and protected from further bacterial damage. The procedure is undertaken to save and maintain the health of the affected tooth. A procedure can take one or two appointments, depending on the severity of the infection and the intricacy of the treatment required.

After the dentist has assessed the need for the procedure, commonly with an X-ray, The procedure then follows a standard set of steps:. Root canal procedures are major dental treatment, and therefore it does come with a level of discomfort. If you are receiving treatment during one appointment, all of the above mentioned steps will be completed at that time.

As a general estimate, any single root canal appointment will last somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes, but in more complicated cases, the dentist may need as long as an hour and a half.

Root canal treatment time is determined by the type of tooth being treated and the number of root canals needed. Incisors, canines, some premolars only have one root to treat whereas molars, and some premolars have up to three roots that may all require treatment. As you might expect, the best treatment plan is the one upon which you and your dentist discuss and agree. It is not as easy as wanting to get it over with in one long visit versus making more than one trip for shorter visits.

Gloucester Office Beverly Office Brookline Office How many appointments are needed for a root canal? How long does a root canal take?

What is recovery from root canal treatment like? Can I eat after a root canal? Can I drive myself home after a root canal? When do I go to my dentist for my permanent restoration? In most cases, the pain of the infected tooth is much greater than any pain felt after the root canal procedure.

A root canal does typically take a little longer than a routine filling, because, in addition to anesthesia, set-up, and preparation, the entire nerve of the tooth must be carved out, rinsed, disinfected, and sealed. In most cases, simple root canals require just one appointment lasting between 30 minutes to just over an hour. However, severe cases may demand 90 minutes or more, or even a second appointment if the dentist or endodontist recommends a permanent filling or crown for the tooth.

The time needed to perform a root canal is determined by several factors, such as the number of canals that need cleaning and the type of tooth that needs treatment. Unlike other parts of your body, teeth are unable to heal themselves, especially once they are infected. If left untreated, infection and inflammation will spread to other tissues, teeth, or even areas of your mouth. A root canal is the only way to preserve a natural tooth because neither cleanings nor fillings adequately remove all of the damaged pulp.

The only alternative to a root canal is the extraction of the entire tooth itself. Extractions are considerably more expensive, involved, and time-consuming than a root canal, and carry the added requirement of replacing the removed tooth with an implant, crown, bridge, or partial denture to maintain proper oral function. For more information on root canals, visit our root canal FAQ page. Root canals often sound scarier than they are, but the caring team at Dental Depot is committed to making your experience as convenient, comfortable, and painless as possible.