How long does a root canal take, and why would you need one?
Well, a root canal, also called endodontic treatment, is something you need when the inside of your tooth (containing tiny blood vessels, nerves, and tissue that keep your tooth healthy) gets infected or swollen. It can happen if your tooth is damaged, has a lot of decay, or has a bad infection, leading to a painful pocket of pus at the tooth’s root.
So, how long does a root canal take?
Here’s the good news: It’s not as long as you might think. While dental appointments can sometimes feel like they last forever, root canals are usually quicker than you’d imagine. How long it takes depends on how complicated the situation is. Simple root canals are faster, but it might take longer if it’s more complex, involving more or specific types of teeth.
How to Know If I Need a Root Canal
Recognizing when it’s time for a root canal can be essential, and there are some clear signs to watch out for. You may require a root canal when you’re experiencing persistent or recurring tooth pain, sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, tooth discoloration, swollen gums, discomfort while touching or chewing on the tooth, or see chips or cracks.
Another straightforward way to determine if a root canal is necessary is when your dentist advises you to have one. While this may seem obvious, some individuals postpone the procedure and face more significant issues later on, so it’s essential to heed your dentist’s advice promptly.
Who Performs Root Canal Surgery?
General dentists can conduct root canal procedures, but patients are often referred to an endodontist. Endodontists are dental experts with specialized knowledge in treating dental pulp-related issues. Their additional training covers pain management, diagnosis, and various techniques required to preserve natural teeth.
What to Expect During a Root Canal Procedure
Root canals are relatively standard dental procedures, and they are usually performed in a single visit to your regular dentist’s office, much like getting a filling. Here are the typical steps involved in most root canal procedures:
- The dentist or endodontist will apply numbing medication to the gum area around the affected tooth or teeth to ensure you’re comfortable. They will inject a local anesthetic to ensure you don’t feel any pain.
- Once the tooth and surrounding area are numb, a small opening will be made in the top part of the tooth to access the infected pulp. The injured pulp will be gently removed to clean the inside of the tooth by the dentist or endodontist. They will use an antibiotic to prevent additional infection.
- After cleaning, the tooth will be filled and sealed using a special paste or synthetic material. It will then be temporarily sealed with a filling and sealant.
- Sometimes, you may need a second appointment for a permanent filling or crown by the dentist or endodontist.
How Long Does a Root Canal Typically Take?
Typically, a straightforward root canal procedure can be completed in approximately 30 minutes to an hour, which is the case for most root canals. However, the duration of the procedure depends on various factors. For more complicated cases, such as complex root canals involving multiple teeth, the tooth’s location in the mouth, and the type of teeth needing treatment, it may take anywhere from 1 to 3+ hours to complete.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take Depending on the Types of Teeth?
Canines & Incisors
These are the front six teeth on your mouth’s top and bottom. They typically have a single root, making root canals relatively simple, usually taking 30 to 60 minutes.
Premolars
The following four teeth in the upper and lower jaws, the first and second premolars, can have one or two roots. Root canals on premolars may take over an hour due to their anatomy.
Molars
Molars are usually the back six teeth on both the upper and lower jaws. These teeth can have up to four roots, making root canals on molars more time-consuming. You can expect a molar root canal to take approximately 90 minutes (1.5 hours) or even longer.
The Crown
A crown is often placed on the tooth after a root canal to safeguard it. This step is usually completed during a second appointment and may take around 30 minutes to 1 hour. If done on the same day as the root canal, it may slightly extend the overall treatment time beyond the above-mentioned durations.
Are Root Canals Painful?
Because root canals are performed under local anesthesia, they are often no more painful than other dental operations. After the treatment, you might experience some mild soreness, numbness, or discomfort for 24-48 hours. Pain relievers can usually help manage this discomfort.
However, most patients can return to their usual activities on the same day. It’s worth noting that the pain from the infected tooth before the root canal is often more severe than any discomfort you might feel afterward.
Conclusion
Root canals may sound intimidating, but at Norwood Dental, our compassionate team is dedicated to ensuring your experience is convenient, comfortable, and painless. We understand that dental procedures may not be your top choice for how to spend your valuable time, but we offer flexible scheduling, a team of specialists, and ample exam rooms to streamline your visit.
Norwood Dental’s commitment is to deliver top-notch and affordable dental care for you and your family in a welcoming, professional setting. Call (952) 467-3518 now!
FAQs
Can you eat after the root canal?
After a root canal, you can typically enjoy a meal within 30 to 45 minutes. It gives enough time for your temporary filling to set properly. However, it’s a good idea to wait until the anesthetic has worn off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
How long will my face be swollen after a root canal?
It’s typical to experience swelling after surgery, but using cold compresses can help reduce it. Swelling may peak between 48 to 72 hours after the procedure before gradually decreasing. Often, you might notice more swelling in the morning, which tends to improve as the day goes on. It’s also common to observe minor bleeding or oozing that could temporarily affect the color of your saliva for up to 24 hours after the surgery.
What percentage of root canals fail?
Root canal treatments usually have a long-term success rate of about 80%-90%, with a failure rate of roughly 10%-20%. Although these procedures are often successful, some common factors can lead to root canal treatment not achieving the desired results. These factors may include problems like coronal leakage and root perforation.