The thought of undergoing a root canal can conjure feelings of anxiety and uncertainty. Part of this stems from feeling unprepared and lacking information regarding your root canal. The best way to ease these negative feelings is to be proactive in your planning. One prominent factor you will want to consider is how long the root canal procedure takes. This will be crucial when making arrangements surrounding getting to and from your procedure, as well as factoring in for recovery time. To ensure your procedure and recovery are smooth, there are a few things you may want to consider when planning for your root canal.
What Is a Root Canal?
The goal of a root canal is to preserve a tooth by removing inflamed or infected pulp. Pulp is nerves and tissue from within cleaning and disinfecting the root canals and then the placement of a barrier to prevent reinfection or further inflammation. In most cases, the aim is to always save your natural teeth when possible.
Why Is a Root Canal Needed?
Patients who need root canals typically suffer from moderate to severe discomfort. This pain is usually the result of an infected or inflamed tooth. Individuals experience this dental issue when the tooth has suffered severe decay, a crack or damage, or other dental concerns. When these issues arise, your dentist may recommend that a root canal be performed.
Factors Influencing the Duration of a Root Canal
The length of time it will take to complete your root canal can vary depending on a few influencing factors. First, the complexity of the affected tooth and its location plays a role in the time your root canal will take. For instance, molars typically require more time allotted to complete because of their multiple roots and complex canal systems.
Secondly, the extent of the infection or damage to your tooth can create longer root canal completion times. In addition to the extent of the damage to your tooth, the severity of the damage to your tooth pulp can impact duration.
A commonly overlooked influencing factor on duration is the experience and level of skill of your dentist. More experienced dentists often afford patients the luxury of quicker, more efficient root canal procedures. Furthermore, patient cooperation, oral hygiene, and the extent of the restoration can all impact the length of your root canal procedure.
Typical Duration of a Root Canal Procedure
When preparing for your root canal procedure, you can expect it to take between 90 minutes and three hours. This is an average statistic. The duration of your root canal will depend on factors surrounding your case. Your dental team will explain everything you need to know and answer any questions you may have.
What to Expect During the Procedure
While every case is different the procedure is relatively the same and consists of:
- Numbing the area surrounding your tooth.
- Your dentist will create a small opening in your tooth to gain access to the pulp chamber.
- The unhealthy pulp is removed from your tooth.
- Your root canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and shaped.
- Your exposed root canals are filled and sealed with a special dental material.
- Following your root canal, you may require a crown or filling to restore the integrity of your tooth.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
All post-operative care and instructions provided by your healthcare provider must be followed. You should never take information or advice from another regarding your root canal unless you discuss it with your dentist first. Following all post-op care instructions after your root canal is the best way to ensure a successful recovery.
Seek Dental Care For Further Information
Dental issues are a heavy burden to bear. When you need a root canal, you must understand the parameters surrounding the procedure so you can make informed decisions and advocate on your behalf. Proactive planning is the most effective way to set yourself up for a smooth procedure and quick recovery. An important component of any proactive planning is proper time management. Knowing how long your root canal will take to complete allows you to make appropriate arrangements with your employer and your children if you have any and to comply with any necessary transportation requirements and recommendations. Proper planning for how long your root canal procedure can help ease anxiety and lay the foundation for good oral health.
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Talk to an experienced dental professional to schedule a consultation to determine if you may need a root canal and what to expect.
Reference:
Azim, A., Griggs, J., & Huang, G. (2016). The Tennesee study: factors affecting treatment outcome and healing time following nonsurgical root canal treatment.
