How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Your oral health is important, and its worth taking care of.
Sometimes, bacteria can take over and damage a tooth. When decay breaks through the tooth’s outer layer, it can reach the root, causing infection and swelling. This often leads to serious pain and, if left untreated, can result in the tooth’s loss.
Fortunately, there are ways to save a decayed tooth, with a root canal being one of the best options. Read this blog to learn about the treatment process and time needed to rescue an infected tooth.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental treatment used to fix teeth that are badly decayed or infected. During the procedure, the dentist removes the tooth’s pulp, which is a soft tissue found in the center of the tooth. This pulp includes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues.
When the pulp gets infected or damaged, it can cause pain and other problems, making a root canal necessary to save the tooth and stop further damage.
What is a Root Canal Procedure Like?
Root canals are a common procedure done at your dentist’s office.
First, the area around the tooth is numbed. Then, a small opening is made in the tooth to remove the infected pulp and clean the inside. The tooth is then filled and sealed, sometimes with a temporary filling.
A second appointment may be needed to replace the temporary filling with a permanent one or a crown. This process not only saves the tooth but also stops the infection.
How Long is a Root Canal Procedure?
The time it takes to complete a root canal can vary depending on several factors. These include how complicated the case is, which tooth is being treated, and how much infection or damage is present.
Other factors that affect the time for a root canal include how well the patient responds to anesthesia and how quickly the dental team works. Understanding these factors can help set realistic expectations and show that each root canal is customized to meet the patient’s needs.
On average, a standard root canal takes 90 minutes to 2 hours. This includes the time the dentist spends examining the tooth, numbing the area, performing the procedure, and sealing the tooth properly.
The dental team’s efficiency and the patient’s cooperation also help keep the process within this time frame. While sitting in the dentist’s chair for this long might feel overwhelming, it’s important to remember that this relatively short time can save your tooth and relieve pain in the future.
The procedure may take longer than average for more complex cases. This can happen if the tooth has multiple roots, the canals are curved or narrow, or the infection is severe.
In this kind of situation, the dentist takes extra time to make certain the treatment is done thoroughly and effectively. A more complicated root canal may take longer, but this careful and detailed work is important to keep your tooth healthy and ensure it lasts for many years.
Discover What Our Patients Are Saying!
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ Based on Google Reviews
I went on Monday for a tooth that was bothering me the staff and dr Reza explained to me in great detail what needed to be done i will be bringing my kids here very professional and kind people.
Claudia Arellano
I had an appointment last week in this office, I was scheduled for root canal on one of my upper front tooth, It was very sensitive and painful;As soon as I got there, the staff were so nice and made me feel like home, then Dr Reza appear and took care of me, I did not feel any of the shots He gave me;I have to confess I was so terrified of shots, but He has Angel hands...So I recommend Pure Dental Center to everyone who needs Dental care. Thanks to the staff and Dr Reza for the great experience and service. So long.💯🙏👍✌️❤️🦷⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Joseluis Sandoval
The best experience for my family! My daughter awaits her dental appointment with (Dr Reza) so caring and patient with my kids. Will be coming back for my routine dental check ups 🙏 …
Ariana Escobedo
I visited this office and I felt very comfortable and the staff made me feel very much appreciated and well taken care of. Dr. Reza is so patient and took his time to explain every detail in terms of coordinating a treatment for me. As a patient I am very satisfied with the results and I will be referring everyone I know to this amazing office.
Pamela Gomez
Takeaway
The length of your root canal treatment depends on how badly your tooth is damaged and which tooth needs the procedure. It’s always better to see the dentist for a scheduled appointment than to wait for a dental emergency.
If you’ve questions about the time a root canal takes, talk to our dentist, Dr. Reza Rahgozar, DDS, at Pure Dental Center. He can give you a good idea of how long your treatment will last. Call us at (832) 831-3090 to schedule your appointment!