How Long Does a Root Canal Take? Full Breakdown
Root canal treatment can safely and effectively improve damaged teeth for many patients in need. If you’re scheduled for a root canal procedure, you may be wondering ‘how long does a root canal take?’ In this article we breakdown all the details regarding root canal treatment.
Overview of Root Canal Treatment
Before jumping into how long does it take to do a root canal, you’ll need to know exactly what is a root canal and what the process entails. Continue reading more below.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common dental procedure that aims to save a tooth that is damaged or infected. A tooth root is the part of a tooth that is anchored into the jawbone below the gums and serves as the house for dental pulp, the innermost part of the tooth containing its nerves and blood vessels. A root canal procedure is performed by removing infected dental pulp from the roots to eliminate the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Preserving natural teeth can help you keep your confidence and help you maintain good oral health and overall well-being. Also, keeping your natural teeth helps support facial structure and adequate chewing, digestion, and speech, among many other benefits.
Why Root Canals are Common?
According to research, approximately 15 million root canals are performed each year in the United States. Root canals are very common as they are safe and effective at saving teeth and preventing the spread of infection throughout the body. Root canals are commonly perceived as painful, but this is a misconception. Root canal treatment can alleviate pain by removing the pain-related infection. In general, the procedure itself is typically painless and comfortable thanks to dental anesthesia and modern dental techniques.
Who performs a root canal?
A root canal procedure is typically performed by an endodontist, a dental specialist trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving the roots of teeth. However, general dentists may also perform root canals for simple cases. Your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist depending on the complexity of your individual dental needs.
The Root Canal Procedure: What Happens?
There are several steps to completing a root canal procedure. At your root canal appointment, your dentist will go over key steps involved and answer any questions you may have regarding the procedure.
Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Process
Step one starts with an initial assessment from your dentist. Once your medical and dental history and symptoms have been reviewed, your dentist will take diagnostic records, including X-rays, tests, and a clinical examination to determine the extent of the infection. They will discuss your diagnosis and inform you of an optimal treatment plan.
- Administration of anesthesia:
To begin your root canal procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area. Your dentist may use a dental dam to keep the tooth isolated throughout the procedure.
- Drilling and access to the pulp chamber:
Using a special dental handpiece, your dentist will access the inner pulp chamber by creating an access hole through the dental enamel.
- Removal of infected tissue:
Once the dental pulp and root canals are visible, various small dental instruments will be used to remove infected tissue.
- Cleaning and disinfecting the tooth:
The pulp chamber and root canals will be cleaned, disinfected, and shaped using biocompatible solutions and dental tools.
- Filling the tooth with a protective material:
Once the infected tissue is removed and the canals are cleaned and shaped, a biocompatible material known as gutta-percha will be cemented into the root canals to seal them and prevent re-infection.
Possible Need for Additional Visits
In some cases, a root canal procedure may be broken into two visits for proper healing. During the first visit, your dentist may remove the infected tissue, clean and shape the canals, and place medication within the canals sealed with a temporary filling to eliminate any remaining infection. At your second visit, the temporary filling is removed, the canals are cleaned again and then sealed with gutta-percha.
After your root canal treatment, you will likely require a dental crown or other restoration placed on top of the root canal treated tooth for protection and strength. Dental crowns can help restore your tooth’s function and appearance. Be sure to follow your dentist’s recommendations within a timely manner to reduce the risk of complications.
Duration of Root Canal Procedures
How long does a root canal procedure take? The duration of the procedure can depend on various factors. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
Average Timeframes for Different Teeth
How long do root canals usually take? This can depend on the type of tooth involved. Here are average treatment times per tooth type:
- Molars: 60-90 minutes or more
- Premolars: Approximately 60 minutes
- Canines and Incisors: 45 to 60 minutes
Factors Influencing Duration
- Severity of infection: The amount of tooth damage or infection present can influence how long the root canal procedure takes. How long does it take for root canal to heal? More severe infections require longer treatment time and recovery.
- Individual tooth anatomy: Each type of tooth (i.e. molars, premolars, canines, and incisors) has their own unique anatomy with varying number of roots and canals. Molars and premolars typically have more than one root than other types of teeth, which can make the procedure take longer.
- Number of canals in the tooth: Teeth with multiple canals, such as premolars and molars, tend to have a greater number of canals than canines and incisors, leading to increased treatment times as each canal needs to be cleaned. Some teeth can also have accessory canals, which can make treatment more challenging and require more time to complete.
Pain and Discomfort: What to Expect
There are many common misconceptions about root canals, especially when it comes to pain and discomfort. Here’s the truth:
Common Myths About Pain
You may have heard that root canals are painful. However, root canal treatment can relieve pain by removing harmful bacteria and eliminating infection that is associated with pain. The truth is, much like dental cavity fillings, root canal treatment is considered relatively pain-free. With the use of modern dental anesthesia which numbs the area, the procedure is fairly comfortable, and any discomfort can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or non-medication techniques like applying a cold compress to the area.
Post-Procedure Pain Management
You may experience mild to moderate discomfort after a root canal procedure that may last on average between 7-10 days during your recovery. This is considered normal, and the discomfort should gradually decrease each day. However, if pain persists beyond two weeks or becomes severe, it's important to contact your dental provider immediately.
Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Topical pain relievers like Orajel or cold compresses may also provide pain relief after root canal treatment. For successful recovery after root canal treatment, it's important to adhere to all aftercare instructions from your dentist, including dosage and pain management instructions, dietary recommendations, oral hygiene habits, and follow-up appointments.
Aftercare Following a Root Canal
As with any dental procedure, there are certain recommendations that should be followed to ensure a successful recovery. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Post-Procedure Oral Care Tips
After root canal treatment, you will be able to brush and floss regularly but will be instructed to take special precaution around the treated area. Ask your dentist about their recommendations regarding mouth wash or warm saltwater rinses after root canal treatment. You will be advised to avoid chewing on hard, sticky, chewy, and crunchy foods for a specified amount of time by your dental professional. You should also avoid foods with temperature extremes like cold ice cream or hot soups immediately after root canal treatment.
Signs of Complications to Watch For
How long does a root canal take to heal? That can depend on the presence and severity of any complications. It is important to watch out for signs and symptoms including severe or prolonged pain and swelling, tooth discoloration, pus discharge, bad taste or breath, fever, loose teeth, or other concerns. These signs and symptoms should be reported immediately to your dentist for evaluation.
What to Expect After Treatment
It is normal to experience mild discomfort and swelling after root canal treatment. Within the first week after the procedure, you should notice tissue healing and reduced swelling and discomfort. Maintaining proper oral hygiene and following your dentist’s post-operative instructions is key to proper recovery.
How long is a root canal recovery? On average, you can expect to heal and feel back to your normal self within a few days to a week after root canal treatment. However, complete healing may take up to several weeks. The exact healing timeline depends on factors such as the severity of your tooth infection, complexity of the procedure, adherence to post-operative instructions, and your overall health.
Are Root Canals Covered by Insurance? Here's What to Know
Fortunately, root canals are typically covered by most dental insurance plans, but the specific coverage and amount varies based on the plan. On average, dental insurance plans cover approximately 50% - 80% of the cost of a root canal. Some plans may make you meet a deductible prior to coverage, or have other requirements including copayments, coinsurance, annual maximums, or provider in-network rules. To confirm your insurance benefits, it is important to review your policy details and contact your insurance provider and dental provider.
Exploring Alternatives to Root Canal Therapy
There are several alternatives to root canal therapy. Depending on your dental needs, your dentist will offer optimal recommendations to improve the health of your smile. Common alternatives to root canal therapy include:
- Pulp Capping: Pulp capping may be Pulp Capping:recommended for teeth with mild tooth decay or damage that has led to the exposure of the pulp. The procedure involves removing the decay and then placing a protective material (typically calcium hydroxide) over the exposed pulp to promote healing. The tooth is then sealed with a filling or dental restoration.
- Tooth Extraction and Replacement: Teeth with severe damage or infection that have a poor prognosis may be recommended to be extracted and replaced with dental restorations including dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
Why Root Canal Treatment Is a Smart Choice for Saving Teeth?
When possible, it’s best to save your natural teeth to maintain a healthy smile and help you save money in the long run. Root canal treatment helps eliminate infection, prevents the spread of infection to surrounding tissues in the body, and alleviates tooth pain and sensitivity. Saving your natural tooth also preserves the natural alignment of your teeth and maintains your facial structure. A root-canal treated tooth can still function as a normal tooth, allowing you to bite, chew, and speak properly without issues.
Tips to Help You Avoid Needing a Root Canal in the Future
There are many easy prevention tips to help you avoid needing a root canal in the future. Avoid dental infection by maintaining good oral hygiene practices, including brushing and flossing daily to remove harmful bacteria. Visiting your dentist for regular dental check-ups is necessary to detect and treat dental issues like cavities early before progressing. Professional dental cleanings are also needed to remove dental bacterial plaque and calculus buildup and prevent gum disease.
Staying hydrated with water and maintaining a healthy diet is also key to maintaining a healthy smile. Limit hard, sugary and acidic foods, which can weaken tooth enamel and lead to several dental problems. Avoid poor dental habits like smoking, playing sports without mouth protection, teeth grinding, and using your teeth as tools.
Trust Your Smile to Great Lakes Family Dental
For quality and experienced care, Great Lakes Family Dental is the dental home you’ve been searching for. With our convenient multi-specialty dental practices, we are the trusted provider for root canal treatment for patients throughout Michigan and Indiana. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in our warm and welcoming environment.
