If you care about your teeth, you must practice daily dental hygiene and visit the dentist regularly for cleanings. Still, dental tartar and stubborn bacteria can cause dental issues, whereas an injury can also impact the living tissue inside your tooth that may seem healthy from the outside. So, the root canal procedure is the only way to save the damaged tooth from the inside.
You must be wondering how long a root canal takes; it all depends on the complexity of your treatment. Learn more about the need for the root canal, the time it takes, root canal longevity and why the procedure requires two visits.
When Do We Need a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment can become necessary when a damaged or infected pulp is inside the tooth. Infection or inflammation starts spreading from the pulp to the surrounding tissues, which include gums, teeth, and facial tissues. The infection can also affect your face and jaw, which means it can reach other parts of your body.
If you want to reduce any risks, you must receive the treatment as quickly as possible. When the dentist removes the pulp, it protects not only your oral but also your overall health. So, it is possible to save your tooth, as its outer part survives without living tissue inside. The following are a few of the common causes of pulp damage.
- Having more than one dental procedure on the same tooth
- Having a chipped or a cracked tooth
- Tooth decay because of an untreated cavity
- An injury to your tooth
How Long Can It Take to Do a Root Canal?
If you are going for the simple root canal procedure, it can take one hour if the tooth has one canal. Usually, you must prepare yourself to spend around 90 minutes in the dentist’s office for your root canal appointment. The root canal requires time because the nerve must be taken out, rinsed, and disinfected. Some teeth have a single pulp canal, while others have multiple.
- Premolars
The premolars are behind the anterior teeth, but you will find them before the molars. They usually have one or two roots.
- Molars
Molars are present at the back of the mouth, which are four-cusped teeth. They can have four canals; therefore, these are considered the most time-consuming ones for the root canal.
- Canine and Incisors
Teeth on the front of the mouth are known as canine and incisors. They have a single root and are faster to treat and fill when having a root canal.
Can a Root Canal Treatment Take Two Visits?
Although it depends on the condition of your tooth, you may need two visits to the dentist for the root canal treatment. On your first visit, the dentist will focus on removing the damaged or infected tissue in the tooth as the entire procedure requires concentration, so the orthodontist must do it properly. Keep in mind that the process can be a little time-consuming.
At the end of the first visit, your dentist might place a temporary antibacterial medication on the tooth. Therefore, you will not feel any pain after the first appointment. When we talk about the second phase of your treatment, it will need more disinfecting and cleaning. Other than that, the dentist will permanently seal the inside of your tooth with a material resembling rubber. After that, the dentist will place a temporary or permanent filling and even a crown.
Preserve Your Smile with Root Canal in Gordon, NSW, Australia
A root canal is the best option if you want to preserve your smile, save your damaged tooth, and relieve your discomfort. Our experienced dentist in Gordon will work with you to ensure you have a comfortable root canal treatment. Whether routine dental exams or any restorative procedure, our team is passionate about our patient’s smiles.
Contact us today if you want to know more about how long does root canal take, and we will guide you through the rest of the procedure.