Root canals have gotten a bad reputation from how they are represented in popular culture. Modern root canals are painless thanks to local anesthetics and can save a troubled tooth from extraction. They can efficiently resolve a miserable toothache and have a patient smiling again in no time. However, if you need a root canal, you’re going to want to know how much time it will take. Here’s how long a root canal can take as well as what to expect while recovering.
What Is a Root Canal?
Tooth decay begins when bacteria begin eating their way through the enamel layer, creating a cavity. Cavities do not get better on their own, and if allowed to progress, they will eventually breach the outer layers of the tooth and reach the pulp within. A sharp, throbbing toothache begins when the pulp is infected. These infections can also happen if the pulp is exposed due to injuries or repeated dental work.
A root canal treats this infection by extracting the infected pulp tissue, sanitizing the tooth’s inner chamber, filling it with a medical material, and sealing the inside of the tooth to protect it from future infections. The tooth is then covered with a crown which restores its appearance and function.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
A root canal may take up to three hours, and it can require one or two appointments to be completed. The process includes anesthesia, set-up, and preparation in addition to the actual procedure. The time it will take depends mostly on what type of tooth is being treated. If a crown is to be placed during the same appointment, you can add another hour to the timeframe. However, the crown will usually be placed a week or two later.
Molars
The thick, flat teeth in the back of your mouth are called molars, and one of them can have up to four canals. This makes root canal treatments for these teeth quite time-consuming. Expect the procedure to take at least ninety minutes.
Premolars
The thick, sharp teeth that come before your molars are your premolars, and they have only one or two roots. A root canal for one of these can take upwards of an hour.
Canines and incisors
Your front teeth and the sharp teeth on either side of them are your incisors and canines, respectively. These teeth have only one root, so treating them can take between forty-five minutes and an hour.
What is Recovering from a Root Canal Like?
A root canal can leave a patient with mild discomfort for a few days afterward. This discomfort should subside with time and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medications. If waiting for a dental crown, stick to a soft diet that is light on sugar until your appointment while practicing proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice, flossing once, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day. Rinsing with lukewarm saltwater can also help clean the treated tooth during this time.
About the Practice
Midtown Family Dentistry of Dallas is dedicated to making sure patients always receive the high-quality care they deserve. Led by Drs. Jay Patel, Scott Ludlow, and Tuan Nguyen, the staff delivers top-notch customer service, transparent communication, and flexible hours. Areas of expertise include general, pediatric, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as root canal treatments. For more information on what to expect during a root canal, contact the office online or dial (469) 529-6016.