How Long Do Root Canals Take?
On average, dentists and endodontists in the US perform about 15 million root canals each year. Clearly, this is a common procedure, but what can you expect during the process, and how long will it take? Join us as we discuss every step of the root canal process to help you feel prepared on the day of your treatment.
What is involved in a root canal procedure?
Many people shudder at the thought of a root canal, but the procedure itself is very straightforward–and usually not as painful as people anticipate! Here’s what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
Before your root canal
In the days leading up to your root canal, it’s best to avoid alcohol and tobacco. You’ll want to get plenty of sleep the night before and eat a balanced breakfast the morning of your procedure. Your dentist may recommend taking ibuprofen an hour or so before treatment.
During your root canal
A root canal typically begins with a local anesthetic to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area. However, many people prefer full sedation. In most cases, we will happily supply general anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience.
Next, your dentist or endodontist will apply a piece of rubber around your tooth to keep it dry. They’ll drill a small hole in the crown of your tooth and remove any tissue within the pulp. After cleaning and disinfecting the tooth’s inner chamber, they’ll fill the space with a particular dental material to replace your natural pulp.
The last step of the initial procedure is receiving a temporary filling that will keep bacteria out of your tooth until your dental crown is ready. Receiving your permanent crown may take several weeks since these devices are carefully crafted to fit your bite.
After your root canal
Depending on the type of anesthesia you receive, your dentist may have you wait at their office until the medication has completely worn off. Many people feel comfortable heading back to work after the procedure, while others choose to rest for the remainder of the day.
Any discomfort you feel after a root canal should be mild and easy to manage with over-the-counter medications. If you received a temporary crown, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you have your permanent replacement.
When should you see a dentist for a root canal?
From a decayed tooth to an accident or injury, there are many reasons you may need a root canal. Here are a few indications to keep in mind.
Deep cavities
Deep cavities can expose the pulp and nerves of your teeth to bacteria, which can lead to a painful infection and cause more problems down the line.
Broken, chipped, or damaged tooth
When a tooth is damaged beyond a superficial chip, raw nerve endings may become exposed. In addition to extreme discomfort, this can also allow dangerous bacteria to invade.
Faulty crowns
Occasionally, bacteria can squeeze beneath an existing crown and damage the tooth below. In these cases, a root canal is likely your best option.
Tooth decay
When tooth decay eats away at your enamel and dentin to reach the pulp, a root canal may be necessary to stop this erosion.
How long will a root canal take?
From the moment you sit in the dentist's chair to getting your temporary crown, it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. That said, most root canals are completed in an hour or less. Here are some factors that can impact how long your root canal will take:
Type of tooth
The anatomy of your mouth and the type of tooth being treated will make a difference in the length of your root canal procedure. Your canine teeth have fewer roots than your molars, so cleaning the internal surface will be faster.
Severity of infection
An extreme tooth infection may require more extensive cleaning to ensure absolutely no bacteria remains. In general, a root canal will take longer to complete on a heavily infected tooth.
Anatomy of your root canals
Everyone’s anatomy is unique. In fact, some people simply have a more complex root structure than others, leading to a more prolonged root canal procedure.
Number of root canals
Patients who have already had one or more root canals on the tooth in question may find that the subsequent procedure takes additional time to complete. These follow-up root canals can be more complicated than a simple operation if your dentist needs to fix secondary problems stemming from previous procedures.
The dentist’s experience
If your dentist is relatively new to the field, they may need more time to complete a root canal than someone with decades of experience. You’ll want to take this into consideration, especially if the idea of a root canal makes you feel a little squeamish.
Visit Coral Reef Dental for safe, comfortable care!
At Coral Reef Dental, we value a comfortable, effective treatment for each and every patient. Whether you’re facing your first root canal or looking for a routine dental care provider, we’re here for you! We even offer various forms of sedation to help ensure a pain-free experience!
Contact us today to get started!