How Long Will A Root Canal Procedure Take?

While you may be dreading your root canal, you will be happy to know the procedure is not nearly as bad as some people may believe. In fact, it is not the actual procedure that causes pain but the infection within the tooth root that is painful. The root canal procedure eliminates this pain and preserves the integrity of the tooth. Your dentist will complete the procedure as quickly as he can to minimize pain and get your mouth back to normal.

The Basics of Root Canals

If a small amount of bacteria goes unchecked, then it can establish a home on the tooth enamel and spur decay that deepens as time progresses. The decay reaches the tooth root and causes pain. While it all starts as a simple cavity, it quickly becomes a major oral health risk that requires a root canal. a root canal.

Root Canal Procedure Length

A root canal for a molar will likely take about an hour and a half to complete. A root canal for teeth that are not molars will likely take about a full hour. This length of time is necessary as it takes time to remove the blood supply along with the tooth’s nerve.

With this procedure, we can eliminate the infection and help the pain subside. This portion of the procedure is fairly similar to the filling of a cavity. However, this is not the end of the root canal procedure. The remaining time is spent adding a crown to guard as much of the tooth as possible.

This is necessary as the tooth is unable to access the blood supply and will gradually become brittle as time progresses. A brittle tooth is likely to break unless protected with a crown. A build-up is also necessary to provide support for the tooth as well as the crown. Think of this part of the root canal procedure as the cement placed in a hole to support a newly-placed fence post. If such support is not in place, the area will lack stability.

Don’t Sweat Your Root Canal Procedure

Do not believe the hype about root canals!  They are nowhere near as painful or time-consuming as most claim. This procedure is necessary to prevent the need to surgically remove a tooth. Your root canal will likely be a same-day procedure that does not involve any sort of overly invasive method.

Nor will it require an overnight stay at a clinical facility. It is performed from your dentist’s office treatment room.

Will a Second Appointment be Necessary?

It is possible that a second appointment will be necessary. If two appointments are necessary, the first will be used to clean and shape the root canal system of the tooth in question. The second appointment will serve as the time needed to fill and seal the tooth.

These appointments are usually scheduled a week apart. The benefit of this approach is that it ameliorates the challenges of potential flare-ups. It also provides the dentist with a chance to monitor the progress of your tooth’s healing.