Underneath a tooth’s white enamel and hard layer called dentin, is soft tissue comprised of blood vessels and nerves. This tissue helps grow the tooth during development, but a fully matured tooth can survive without it, how long does a root canal take? A root canal is a safe and routine procedure that usually doesn’t hurt. The procedure typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, and it’s performed under local anesthesia.
The Tooth’s Location
Root canals are used to repair and save damaged teeth that have become infected, usually as a result of a cracked or deep cavity, a dental injury, or trauma. The inflamed dental pulp (composed of blood vessels and nerves) must be removed, the interior cleaned and disinfected, and then filled and sealed. The process can be time consuming and complicated, and often requires one or two appointments to complete.
At the first appointment, your dentist will inject anesthesia to numb your tooth and gums. You may feel some discomfort or sensitivity, but it shouldn’t last very long. Your provider will then place a thin sheet of rubber over your tooth and adjacent gums to protect it from contamination during treatment.
Then, your dentist will use a special tool to create an access hole at the center of your infected tooth, which allows them to remove the inflamed pulp and clean and disinfect the inside. Then, a sealant compound called gutta percha is used to fill the inner canal of your tooth and a filling is placed to close off the access hole created at the beginning of the procedure.
After the root canal is completed, your tooth will probably be sensitive for a few days. It’s important to avoid chewing on it until the sensitivity subsides. During that time, it’s possible to take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort.
While root canal treatments can seem intimidating, they aren’t nearly as scary as they’re portrayed in popular culture. Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with this safe and effective procedure. In fact, it’s no more painful than having a regular dental filling. The most important factor in determining how well a root canal will heal and how long the results will last is how the restored tooth is cared for. Brushing, flossing, and attending regularly scheduled follow-up appointments are all essential to a healthy smile.
The Tooth’s Complexity
The goal of a root canal, which is also known as endodontic treatment, is to relieve pain and prevent further infection of the tooth’s nerve. The procedure involves removing the damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleaning and disinfecting it, then filling and sealing it. Root canal therapy is a great alternative to extraction, which can be more complicated and expensive.
A simple root canal usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete. This includes time for local anesthesia, general set-up, and preparation. Your dentist will remove the dead or dying nerve tissue and bacteria from inside your tooth, then rinse and disinfect it with medication. They will then clean and dry the interior of the tooth, and seal it with a temporary filling or a permanent crown.
After a root canal, you may experience some discomfort, but this can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, you should never experience lingering, persistent, or extreme pain or sensitivity. If your tooth is still painful or sensitive after a root canal, contact your dentist to schedule an appointment for a follow-up visit.
Whether you need a root canal or not depends on many factors, including the type and location of your tooth, how complex the treatment is, and whether it’s necessary to place a crown. By understanding the factors that affect root canal treatment duration, you can prepare for your dental appointment and ensure a successful treatment.
The roots of your teeth are surrounded by a hard layer of enamel and a soft, yellowish center called dentin. The pulp of your tooth contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that create the surrounding hard tissues during growth and development. The pulp can become irritated, inflamed, or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the tooth, large fillings, cracks or chips in the tooth, or trauma to the face.