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Table of Contents
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Root canal duration explained by Dr. Thibaut Merit
- Root Canal TreatmentsRoot canal duration explained by Dr. Thibaut Merit
- Root Canal TreatmentsRoot canal procedures can take one to two hours, depending on the tooth we're treating and the complexity of your care.
Many people are anxious about root canal treatments, but we can alleviate any concerns and ensure you feel comfortable.
Our primary goal is to alleviate your pain and facilitate a swift recovery.
When you have a root canal procedure with 3Dental, we'll go through the treatment with you before, answer any questions, and put you at ease.
What is the Average Time for a Root Canal?
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Root canal treatments usually take between one and two hours.
The duration of your procedure depends on multiple factors, including the tooth we're treating and whether the root canal system is complex.
Front teeth usually take up to 60 minutes, because they usually only have one root, while premolars and molars can take longer, as there are more roots to treat.
While some dental practices ask patients to complete their treatment in two visits, 3Dental aims to complete both the root canal treatment and tooth restoration in a single visit, wherever possible.
One visit may take longer than splitting your treatment into two appointments, but anxious patients often prefer a single appointment.
It's also more efficient to treat and restore the tooth in one appointment.
Root Canal Procedure
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Most people visit us when they're experiencing pain and swelling in the affected tooth, and we identify an infection.
However, in some cases, you might be unaware of any problems until we identify the need for a root canal treatment during routine check-ups.
While root canals aren't emergency procedures, managing pain is.
We can proceed with the root canal treatment once we've treated your infection and relieved your pain.
Here's how the process works:
| Process | Description |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic & X-rays | At 3Dental, every tooth scheduled for a root canal is scanned using CBCT imaging before we begin treatment. This helps us anticipate difficulties and prevent complications, ensuring the procedure is safe and time-efficient. |
| Numbing | Your dentist will then numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue to ensure you don't feel any pain during the procedure. |
| Isolation | A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to isolate it from the rest of your mouth and ensure it remains dry and clean during the procedure. |
| Access Opening | We'll create a small opening through the crown of your infected tooth, giving us access to the pulp chamber and root canals. |
| Cleaning & Shaping Canals | We remove old restorations or decayed tissue to create a clean field. Then we remove the nerves or bacteria causing the infection inside the tooth, and thoroughly disinfect the area. |
| Filling and Sealing | Once the tooth is disinfected, we seal off the root canals to prevent future infections. After that, we build up the tooth so it's strong and ready to go by the end of the appointment. |
| Dental Crown Placement | If a tooth needs root canal therapy, it may already be damaged, and your dentist might recommend placing a permanent crown. In most cases, we can complete this on the same day as your treatment. |
What Factors Affect Root Canal Time?
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Root Canal Treatment explained by Dr. Richard Condon - Root Canal Treatments
While the average root canal treatment can take anywhere between 60 minutes and two hours, the duration of your procedure will depend on the affected tooth and whether there are any complications:
- Tooth location: Front teeth (canines and incisors) usually have a single root and canal, so the procedure is quicker.
However, premolars can have two or more roots, while molars may have three or more roots and multiple canals.
For this reason, molars take the longest time to treat. - Complications: The tooth's anatomy, including the root shape and canal curvature, can affect the time it takes your endodontist to complete the shaping and cleaning process, which is crucial for a successful root canal treatment.
- Infection Severity: If you have an infection, the dentist will need to thoroughly clean and disinfect the tooth.
- Multiple Root Canals: If you require multiple root canal procedures, the treatment duration will be longer, and you may need two appointments.
How Do You Know If You Need a Root Canal?
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Root Canal Treatment explained by Dr. Mariana Barcelos Vaz - Root Canal Treatments
In most cases, the need for a root canal arises due to infection, pain, and swelling of the affected tooth and its surrounding area.
However, your dentist might discover it when taking X-rays during your routine check-up.
Signs that you may require a root canal include:
- Tooth pain can range from dull aches to shooting pains. It worsens when you apply pressure to the tooth, bite down, and chew.
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures can indicate issues with your dental pulp, including a compromised or infected pulp.
- You may also notice tenderness and inflammation around the gums of your infected tooth as the infection spreads. Severe infections can also cause dental abscesses.
- The infected tooth may be darker than your surrounding teeth due to tissue breakdown in the compromised pulp chamber or internal bleeding.
After the Root Canal – What to Expect?
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A root canal dental procedure has minimal recovery time, and you can usually go back to work and resume normal activities like drinking or eating soon after.
As many people with a tooth infection experience severe pain, they often find relief after their root canal treatment - even though there may be some minor discomfort.
The numbness typically lasts between two and four hours.
When to See Your Dentist?
If you're experiencing any dental pain, seeing a dentist as soon as possible is advisable.
Failing to do so could cause the infection to spread, leading to further pain and discomfort.
If the infection spreads to your jaw, it can potentially cause the bone to degrade, which may impact the stability.
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Julie McCabe's Root Canal Testimonial - "I felt absolutely NO PAIN! It didn't hurt one bit!"
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Julie McCabe's Root Canal Testimonial - "I felt absolutely NO PAIN! It didn't hurt one bit!"
Dental decay can progress to the point where tooth extraction is the only option.
Early intervention can save the tooth, stop the infection, and relieve your pain.
If you're experiencing any symptoms, we recommend booking an appointment so one of our experienced clinicians can assess your condition and recommend the best course of treatment before the damage becomes irreversible.
We can assess your condition and determine whether a root canal treatment is the best solution.
Please book your consultation online at 3Dental.ie or give us a call.
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