Root canal therapy is not anyone’s first choice, but if you need one, it’s actually great news – it means that the affected tooth can be saved. Retaining your natural tooth has a number of benefits, including helping you keep more of your pearly whites healthy and right where they should be for years to come.
When you are getting ready for a root canal, there are certain things you need to do to plan – like making sure you have plenty of soft foods in the refrigerator for while you recuperate. You’ll also need to know just how long it takes to complete the treatment from start to finish. The answer is… it depends. Keep reading to learn more about the art of the root canal and about how long you can expect yours to take.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is your dentist’s last option for saving a tooth that has been affected by severe decay or other damage. In this procedure, the interior of the tooth will be cleaned out and replaced with a biocompatible material called gutta percha. Once this process is complete, a filling or crown will be placed on top to keep the tooth stable for years to come.
How Long Will You Be in the Treatment Chair?
While the root canal treatment has a few different parts, the initial procedure is done under anesthesia at your dentist’s office You need to block off up to 90 minutes for this part – most root canals take between 30 minutes and an hour, but depending on how many pulp canals the tooth has, yours may take longer. Molars and premolars have more canals and take longer than the teeth in the front of the mouth.
For more severe infections, the root canal itself may need to be carried out over two visits to the dentist. In these cases, the tooth will be cleaned in the first appointment and you should no longer feel pain in the time between.
How Long Does the Entire Treatment Take?
Of course, there is more to the root canal procedure than just the initial procedure. Once the tooth is cleaned out, a temporary filling may be placed to allow time for the tooth to heal and for the crown to be prepared. You will return to your dentist’s office after one to two weeks for final placement, when the temporary restoration is removed and the crown is placed on top.
Don’t Wait for a Root Canal
No matter how long your root canal will take, the important thing is seeking treatment as promptly as possible. This issue will not get better on its own – and delaying it will only result in greater complications down the road. If you are suffering from severe tooth pain, reach out to your dentist to get started with the treatment you need right away!
Meet the Endodontist
Dr. Deborah Bishop is a respected endodontist serving Huntsville-area friends and families. Dr. Bishop studied at the University of Alabama School of Dentistry and completed her endodontic residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. As a specialist in the treatment of dental pulp, she is the professional to turn to for a root canal. To learn more about root canal therapy or to schedule a consultation, reach out at (256) 882-5161.