How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

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How Long Does a Root Canal Take

One of the common concerns individuals experience while getting a root canal is the duration of the treatment. The only way to save decayed or damaged teeth is by considering root canal therapy in Ipswich. It might be comforting to know how long a root canal normally takes since it will give you a better idea of what to anticipate.

This blog article will go over the factors that impact a root canal’s duration and provide some insight into how long the treatment usually takes.

What is a Root Canal? 

Before discussing how long the procedure takes, it is important to understand what a root canal entails. This dental procedure is used to remove diseased or damaged pulp from a tooth’s inside. It is possible for the pulp, which is made up of connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves, to get infected due to frequent dental operations, trauma, cracks, or severe decay.

The Duration of a Root Canal

The length of the treatment can vary based on a number of variables, including the tooth’s location, complexity, and specific condition of the patient. A normal root canal may often be completed in one or two dental appointments, each lasting around 90 minutes.

Initial Consultation

A dentist near you will inspect your tooth on your initial visit and could use x-rays to determine the severity of the damage. With you, they will go through the procedure’s potential risks, advantages, and alternatives. A local anesthetic will be given by the dentist to guarantee your comfort throughout the appointment.

Root Canal Procedure

Access and Cleaning (30-60 minutes)

In order to access the diseased or damaged pulp, the dentist will make a tiny access hole in the tooth. They will gently remove the pulp, clean the root canals, and shape them for filling using specialized tools.

Filling the Canals (30-60 minutes):

The dentist will use gutta-percha, a rubber-like material, to fill the canals after they have been thoroughly cleaned. This aids in sealing the canals and guards against recontamination. Sometimes the dentist will wait until a future appointment to fill the canals to ensure the infection is completely eliminated.

Restoring the Tooth (15-30 minutes)

The access hole is sealed using a temporary or permanent filling material after the canals have been filled. For increased strength and protection, a dental crown might be recommended if a large amount of the tooth is damaged. There may be a second visit necessary for this process.

Follow-up Visit

A follow-up session is usually needed to assess the procedure’s progress and, if necessary, place a permanent restoration, such as a dental crown. Normally, this appointment lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

Factors Affecting Duration

Several factors can influence the duration of a root canal:

  • Complexity of the tooth: Teeth with multiple roots and canals may take longer to treat.
  • Presence of infection: Serious infections might call for extra steps or a longer course of treatment
  • Pre-existing dental work: Teeth with existing fillings or crowns may require extra time for removal and restoration.

It’s essential to keep in mind that a root canal’s primary goal is to save your natural tooth and relieve pain brought on by an infection or damage. Trust your dentist to walk you through the procedure and restore your oral health if they recommend a root canal therapy near you.

If you’re experiencing severe tooth pain or have been diagnosed with a tooth infection, don’t wait any longer to seek treatment. Visit Ipswich Bay Dental today for a root canal procedure. Our skilled dentist in Ipswich specializes in root canals and will provide you with quality care and expertise. 

Don’t let tooth pain affect your daily life. Schedule an appointment and take the necessary steps toward saving your tooth and relieving your discomfort.

978-464-8024