Brushing and seeing your dentist regularly is great, but cavities happen. Sometimes, even healthy-looking teeth get damaged inside. Luckily, root canal treatments can save those teeth. But how long does a root canal treatment take? Let’s find out.
How is a Root Canal Done Step by Step?
Feeling nervous about your root canal? No worries. Let’s walk through it step-by-step to ease your mind.
1. Anesthetic
First, the dentist will numb your gums and teeth with medicine. This takes about 10 minutes to work and lasts for an hour. You’ll be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain.
2. Removing the Pulp
Once you’re numb, the dentist will make a small hole in your tooth to reach the inner part. They will then carefully remove the infected tissue. This takes the most time in a root canal treatment because they need to clean everything thoroughly.
3. Cleaning
To make sure the infection is gone for good, the dentist will put medicine inside your tooth and might give you some pills to take at home. They’ll also fill the cleaned canals with a special material.
4. Filling
Finally, the dentist will put a temporary filling in the hole in your tooth. This protects it until you come back for a permanent filling or crown, depending on what you need to keep your tooth strong. Your dentist will talk to you about the different options and recommend the best one for you.
How Long Does a Root Canal Procedure Take?
A root canal typically takes longer than a routine filling because, besides anesthesia, the dentist needs to remove the tooth’s nerve, rinse, disinfect, and seal the area.
Simple root canals usually require one appointment lasting 30 minutes to just over an hour. However, severe cases may take 90 minutes or more, and sometimes a second appointment if a permanent filling or crown is needed.
The time for a root canal depends on factors like the number of canals and the type of tooth. Some teeth have one root, while others have up to three roots. Here’s a general guide:
- Canines and Incisors: These front teeth usually have a single root, making them quicker to treat.
- Premolars: Located in the middle of your mouth, premolars have one or two roots, requiring about an hour or more.
- Molars: These back teeth can have up to four canals, so treating them can take 90 minutes or more.
Final Thoughts
If you have a damaged tooth, a root canal can fix it. Visit AK Dental of Austin for comfortable root canals. Our friendly team is passionate about healthy smiles, and we’ll make sure you feel comfortable throughout your appointment.
Call or text us at (512) 827-9958 to schedule an appointment today!