How Long Does It Take To Do A Root Canal? Find Out Before Booking

Time is often an important consideration when it comes to dental treatments like root canal therapy. Understanding the various factors that may affect treatment time can help you feel less anxious and more prepared to organise your schedule efficiently.

What is root canal treatment? 

Root canal treatment also known as endodontic therapy, involves extracting the infected pulp from a tooth suffering from extensive decay and inserting a biocompatible substance, typically followed by a temporary filling. Further appointments might be necessary to apply a permanent filling once healing is confirmed.

While the need for any intervention may not be apparent until there is some degree of tooth pain, the assault on the dental pulp begins much earlier with either tooth decay or physical trauma to the tooth that compromises the outer layers of the tooth, enamel and dentin and leaves the pulp chamber open to bacterial infections.

To determine if you need a root canal, your dentist will need to assess the degree of pulp damage by taking into account the signs of infection, by examining the affected tooth and also with the help of dental x-rays to assess the surrounding tissues.

Why do I need root canal treatment?

Tooth pain is a common reason to approach the dental clinic for help. While pain management is important, it is also vital to the underlying cause such as tooth decay or physical trauma that led to the infection. If left untreated, severe infection can spread to the surrounding tissues, potentially causing tooth loss, abscesses, or systemic infection. A dental filling alone wouldn’t be enough in these cases.

The root canal process eliminates the source of infection, brings relief from tooth pain, and preserves your natural tooth. Click here to read more on why you need a root canal procedure.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Most patients report only a mild discomfort, similar to what you might feel after getting a dental filling. In fact, if you had been experiencing severe tooth pain beforehand, you are likely to feel significant pain relief after the root canal infection has been treated. After treatment, your dentist may recommend over the counter pain medication to manage any soreness.

How long does it take to do a root canal treatment?

The appointment duration depends on various factors like the type of tooth involved and the severity of the infection. For instance, front teeth tend to have only one root canal and is usually easier for the dental professional to access which means it takes less time to complete the treatment.

In the case of molar teeth, they tend to have 3-4 root canals and some of them can be positioned in a tricky-to-access position. This often means your root canal dentist will require more treatment time to ensure that the infected tissue has been taken out of all the molar root canals and replaced with root canal filling material. Dental technology such as rotary instruments, microscopes and dental loupes used at Dental Designs Clinic helps to reduce the overall treatment duration.

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What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?

The alternative to root canal therapy is usually extraction or tooth removal. These issues include bite problems arising from teeth shifting positions, challenges with eating and the gradual loss of jawbone volume and density. To preserve your natural smile and to avoid expensive tooth replacement options like dental implants, root canal therapy is a worthwhile treatment plan to explore.

At Dental Designs Clinic, we make every attempt to save each tooth from extraction. In some cases, if the tooth is too badly damaged and unsalvageable, extraction will be necessary. Following any tooth extractions, the replacement of the tooth can be done using a dental bridge, or a dental implant.

How are root canal treatment different at Dental Designs Clinic?

At Dental Designs Clinic, our experienced dentists are equipped with fully digital workflow and technology that helps to cut down the treatment time while also making it a comfortable experience for you.

• Digital dental X-rays help to assess the infected tooth and adjacent teeth.
• Rotary instruments are specialised instruments that effectively remove infected tissue from the root canal surgery with minimal pain.
• Dental loupes and Zeiss microscopes allow the dentist to visualise the small structure of your tooth with a higher magnification.
• We offer digital scans using CEREC technology that are accurate and cause no discomfort like physical impressions.
• With our in-house lab, we are able to fabricate a customised crown within 2 -3 visits 
  

Why should I get a crown after a root canal treatment?

Teeth that have undergone root canal treatment often have minimal remaining structure due to prior decay or damage. To ensure their durability, it is essential to reinforce them with a dental crown that envelops the entire top and sides of the tooth. This reinforcement is particularly crucial for back teeth, which endure significant chewing forces.

Without a crown, weakened teeth are at risk of fracturing, as a standard filling does not provide adequate protection. Should a fracture occur, exposing the root canal filling, the entire procedure may need to be repeated due to potential infection.

Can I get the root canal treatment and crown on the same day?

Trying to rush both procedures in one day can compromise the fit of the crown, the healing of the tooth, or the long-term success of the root canal procedure. Traditionally, physical impressions of the mouth were taken to make crowns and it would take a few weeks to be fabricated and placed in your mouth. Where medically appropriate, your dental professional can recommend to complete the root canal infection treatment and crown within a day or two.

At Dental Designs Clinic, we have the option of same day or next day crowns. Using digital scanning and CAD CAM software, we can design and mill custom ceramic crowns, eliminating the need for messy impressions and multiple appointments. Click here to learn more about same day crowns.

How long does a root canal treatment last?

With proper care and good oral hygiene practices, your root-canal treated tooth can last for years. Following your dentist's post-operative instructions (such as eating soft foods during the recovery time and ensuring a permanent filling is placed) significantly contributes to successful outcomes.

It is important to visit the dental clinic for regular dental check-ups to ensure successful treatment and also to support your long-term oral health. Click here to read more about smooth recovery after a successful root canal treatment.

Conclusion

Modern dentistry has deemed root canal therapy as an effective and safe dental procedure that can help preserve your natural tooth. Although it may seem overwhelming to consider multiple visits to the dental clinic, the long-term benefits of these endodontic procedures far outweigh the time invested. At Dental Designs, your comfort is our priority and our experienced dentists can help to restore both your beautiful smile and your oral health. 

Looking to book a dental appointment with us? Simply leave us a message here and we will be right with you!