Have you ever been told you need a root canal? If so, you may be wondering how long the procedure will take. While root canals can vary in length, most of them can be completed in one or two visits to your dentist. Keep reading to learn more about root canals and how long they usually take.
A root canal is a procedure that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour
A root canal can be an intimidating prospect, but it’s worth noting that the procedure itself is actually much less intimidating than it sounds. Root canals are fairly common procedures that dentists use to address severe cases of tooth decay or infection. During a root canal, the root of the problem (the infected root) is removed and all necessary surfaces are cleaned and sealed. The entire process itself typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity and complexity of the problem. Afterward, most patients experience little to no discomfort and don’t require any follow-up treatment. So if you’re facing a root canal, remember that it isn’t as dramatic or daunting as you may fear!
The length of time depends on the severity of the infection and the number of teeth that need to be treated
The length of time it takes to treat an infection in the mouth can vary depending on a range of factors. Most importantly, the severity of the infection and the number of teeth needing treatment have a significant impact on how long treatment may take. Should the infection not be too severe and only one tooth needs treating, then this process should take fewer days than if multiple teeth require treating and the infection is more serious. Moreover, other factors such as dental familiarity or underlying health conditions may also alter treatment time length. All in all, different patients are likely to need different lengths of time for treating an infection, though allowing enough days for completing a full course of antibiotics is typically recommended by medical professionals.
If you have a lot of pain or swelling, it may take longer to numb the area before starting the procedure
Pain and swelling is an unpleasant topic for most, so having to endure one or both prior to a medical procedure can be even more daunting. Fortunately, medical professionals are aware of this, and provide numbing agents that can help dull the area before procedures begin. Depending on the severity of pain and swelling experienced, it may take longer to completely numb the area in order for the procedure to begin successfully and safely. In some cases, medication may also be offered further reduce discomfort while numbing agents are applied and ultimately allowing the procedure to proceed with ease.
Once the root canal is complete, you’ll need to see your dentist for a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is healing properly
After the completion of a root canal procedure, it is highly recommended that patients follow-up with their dentist in order to check for potential healing issues and to ensure that everything is functioning properly. If a patient notices any lingering discomfort, such as swelling or sensitivity, then it may be beneficial to book an appointment at the earliest opportunity. During this visit, the dentist will assess the progress of recovery and work towards resolving any remaining issues if needed. It is important to remember that your oral health is essential to the overall care of your body and taking precautions such as following-up after invasive dental treatments like root canals are crucial for achieving long-term dental health.
Though root canals may seem like a daunting procedure, it is important to remember that it is usually only necessary if you are experiencing a great deal of pain or swelling. The length of the procedure depends on the severity of the infection and how many teeth need to be treated. If you have a lot of pain or swelling, it may take longer to numb the area before starting the procedure. Once the root canal is complete, you’ll need to see your dentist for a follow-up appointment to make sure everything is healing properly.