How long does a root canal take? Find out how long you can expect your root canal procedure to take and learn how long recovery typically lasts.
Did you recently crack a tooth? Leaving it unattended could lead to complications. Unfortunately,
77% of the public doesn't realize poor oral health is linked to heart attacks.
About 87% of Americans wish they took better care of their teeth. This is your chance! A root canal can restore your smile and improve your oral health.
How long does a root canal take? Read on to find out!
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
The duration of a root canal procedure can vary based on:
- The infection's severity
- How many roots the tooth has
- Which tooth requires treatment
In most cases, this dental procedure requires two appointments. Each appointment could take between 30 and 90 minutes.
How long does a root canal take for molars? Molars have up to four roots. Therefore, treatment usually takes 90 minutes or longer.
Your premolars are located between your anterior teeth and molars. They only have one or two roots. A root canal for a premolar only takes 60 minutes in comparison.
Canines and incisors only have one tooth root. The procedure will only take 45 to 60 minutes.
However, treatment might take longer if the tooth requires a dental crown. After the initial appointment, you'll need to wait for the tooth to heal. Only then can your dentist place the dental crown.
In these instances, you'll need to schedule an additional appointment.
Schedule a consultation appointment with your dentist in Brewster, NY. They can determine your distinct needs for treatment. They can provide you with a more accurate procedure timeline.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a chamber inside a tooth. It contains blood vessels, nerves, and pulp. The root canal connects each tooth to gum and bone.
Though every root has a root canal, some have more than one.
You'll need to schedule a dental procedure if the root canal becomes infected or inflamed. Otherwise, the infection will spread to your teeth. The infection could spread to other parts of your body as well.
Meanwhile, your tooth could turn yellow or black. You'll begin experiencing pain and:
- Swollen gums
- Chips or cracks
- Pain when chewing
- Sensitivity to hot and cold
- Tooth discoloration
If these symptoms sound familiar, visit your Brewster, NY dentist right away.
In some cases, your dentist will need to extract the tooth, leading to more pain. You'll lose the health benefits of having a natural tooth. You might need more expensive procedures in the future.
Ideal Candidates
Let your dentist know if you experience:
- Dental damage
- Repeated treatments on a tooth
- Dental trauma
- Dental decay
For example, perhaps you cracked or chipped a tooth. Maybe you haven't prioritized your dental care by brushing and flossing daily. These issues could lead you to require root canal surgery.
Schedule treatment right away can help you avoid complications. Otherwise, the infection could compromise your oral health.
The Root Canal Procedure
First, schedule a consultation appointment at a dental office in Brewster, NY. Your dentist will confirm you're an ideal candidate for the procedure. They'll also walk you through the steps.
Don't worry; your dentist will numb the area surrounding your tooth before they begin. If you suffer from dental anxiety, let your dentist know.
They might recommend sedation dentistry, which can ensure your comfort.
They'll need to create a tiny opening in the tooth. Once they access the pulp chamber, they'll remove the infection. They'll thoroughly rinse and disinfect the inside of your tooth.
If the infection is severe, your dentist might place medication inside the tooth. In these cases, you'll need to return for another appointment.
Next, your dentist will fill and seal your root canal. They'll use a high-quality resin to help prevent another infection. The resin can also reinforce the structure of your tooth.
Your dentist might also recommend a dental crown. A crown can protect the tooth and restore its function. You may need an additional appointment for this procedure.
A consultation appointment will allow your dentist to determine the best course of action. They'll customize the dental procedure plan based on your needs.
Pain or Discomfort
Root canals are major dental procedures. It's normal to experience some discomfort. The sensation is similar to what you would experience during a dental filling.
However, you shouldn't experience pain during this dental procedure.
Remember, your dentist will numb the area using a general anesthetic.
After the procedure, the anesthetic will wear off. You could experience some mild discomfort. Use over-the-counter pain medication to manage the pain.
You're more likely to experience severe pain if you don't seek treatment. In fact, a root canal procedure could provide pain relief.
Success Rate
The root canal dental procedure has a success rate between
82 and 92.6%. However, it's important to choose an experienced, qualified dentist. Find emergency dentistry in Brewster, NY to seek immediate treatment.
Necessity
Your teeth aren't able to heal themselves once they're infected. Without treatment, inflammation and infection can spread. A root canal procedure can help preserve the tooth.
Cleanings and fillings, on the other hand, won't remove all damaged pulp.
In short, yes; a root canal is necessary if you have an infected tooth. Remember, the only alternative is tooth extraction.
Talk to Your Dentist About Treatment
To recap, how long does a root canal take? Usually, the procedure lasts between 30 and 90 minutes. The duration will vary based on the tooth that needs treatment.
You can visit your Brewster, NY dentist to get a more accurate timeline.
Are you experiencing pain due to an infected tooth? Don't wait to seek treatment.
Schedule
your appointment today.
