How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
If you have a damaged or infected tooth and have been told you need a root canal, you may be wondering how long a typical root canal procedure takes.
Infected teeth cause pain and discomfort, affecting our daily life. No one likes living with pain, so we’re diving into all things root canals to help you make the right dental decision.
Some common questions we get include:
How long does a root canal take?
Will you need to take time off work or rearrange your schedule for multiple appointments?
We’ll explore the factors that can impact the time needed for a root canal and what you can expect during the procedure.
If you’re considering a root canal or are curious about the process, read on to learn more.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure to remove infected or damaged tissue from the inside of a tooth. the procedure also includes replacing the damaged tissue with a filling material.
The time it takes to complete a root canal treatment can vary depending on several factors.
The procedure can generally take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes per tooth.
Factors that can impact the length of time needed for a root canal include
- the complexity of the case
- the skill and experience of the dentist
- the patient’s specific needs
The process of a root canal
- The first step in root canal treatment is to assess the tooth and determine the extent of the damage.
- The dentist will then numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Once the tooth is numb, the dentist will make a small hole in the top of the tooth and use small, specialized instruments to carefully remove the damaged or infected tissue from inside the tooth.
- This can take some time, particularly if the tooth is particularly damaged or has multiple canals that need to be cleaned out.
- After the damaged tissue has been removed, the dentist will carefully clean and shape the inside of the tooth to prepare it for a filling.
- This can also take some time, particularly if the tooth is complex or has multiple canals.
- Once the inside of the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned and shaped, the dentist will fill the tooth with a special material to prevent further infection or damage.
- This material is typically a rubber-like substance called gutta-percha, designed to fill the entire space inside the tooth.
- Finally, the dentist will seal the tooth with a temporary filling and schedule a follow-up appointment to place a permanent crown or filling.
- This final step typically occurs a few weeks after the initial root canal treatment.
Most patients require one to two appointments to complete a root canal treatment. The length of each appointment will depend on the complexity and the specific needs of the patient.
With proper care, most patients can expect to enjoy their newly restored teeth for many years to come.
A final thought
The time needed for a root canal treatment can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity and the patient’s specific needs.
However, most patients can expect the procedure to take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes per tooth.
With proper care, a root canal can be a safe and effective way to preserve a damaged or infected tooth and restore your oral health.
If you are experiencing tooth pain, our team here at Carolina Comfort Dental can evaluate your tooth and recommend the best course of treatment based on your individual needs.
Call us today to schedule an appointment and discuss options.
- Contact us online to schedule your appointment
- Call us at (910) 485-0023
- Email us directly at info@carolinacomfortdental.com
We are located in Fayetteville, NC, and proudly offer our professional services in the following areas; Hope Mills, Fort Bragg, Sanford, Lumberton, Spring Lake, Raeford, and Southern Pines, NC.
