Despite the bad reputation they get from cartoons and movies, modern root canals are painless procedures that can save a tooth from extraction. They are necessary when the pulp at the center of a tooth becomes infected, and they are often the best way to get rid of the miserable pain that comes with a toothache. Here’s how long a root canal can take as well as some information about the recovery.
What Does a Root Canal Involve?
When you sit down for your root canal, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the tooth being treated and the surrounding area. They will then remove any decayed tissue from your tooth as well as the infected pulp inside it. The inner chamber of your tooth will then be cleaned and sterilized before it is filled with a medical substance called gutta-percha and sealed. This will ensure that the inside of the tooth can never become infected again. The tooth will then receive a crown to restore it to its original shape and size, allowing it to function normally.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
A root canal appointment can take anywhere from ninety minutes to three hours, and the main factor in how long it can take is how many roots the tooth being treated has. Your mouth has four types of teeth. Molars are the large flat teeth in the back of your mouth that can have up to four roots. Treating them can take ninety minutes or more. Premolars only have one or two roots, and treating them can take a bit more than an hour. Canines and incisors only have one root, so a root canal for them can take between forty-five minutes and an hour. Your crown will be placed a few weeks later.
What Can I Expect While Recovering from a Root Canal?
You may experience some mild discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. You may have to wait a week or two after your root canal to receive your permanent dental crown. It’s a good idea to stick to a soft diet during this period to avoid harming your tooth and rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater to clean away food particles as needed. You should also take care to cut back on sugary snacks and drinks while practicing excellent oral hygiene. This includes brushing twice, flossing once, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day.
Root canals are common and well-understood procedures that can end the pain of a toothache and restore a tooth to its normal function. Consulting with your dentist can give you the best estimate of how long your treatment will take.
About the Practice
Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall protects the dental health of the community of Rockwall, TX. Led by Drs. Travis Spillman and Nancy Nguyen, the staff delivers effective treatments in a warm and comfortable environment. Services include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry such as root canal treatments. For more information about what to expect during a root canal, contact the office online or dial (972) 945-0887.