How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

The duration of the root canal procedure can vary as much as each of us are different. Then, it addition to that, you could have two root canals savage mn that might be very different as well. There are a number of variables that we’ll identify and just give you some ranges on what you might expect.

The Reasons for a Root Canal

The reasons that a root canal has to be performed is the first variable to identify. Whether it be a cracked, chipped or broken tooth or a deep cavity. These contributors might change the severity of the damage to the pulp. The pulp is the soft tissue in the center of each and every tooth that carries blood vessels and nerves. The blood vessels provided the nutrition to feed the tooth and the nerves are associated with sensitivity levels. If and when the pulp becomes infected and diseased the pulp will deliver a puss down the root canal to form an abyss on the end of the root. These can become very painful.

So the first variable is the amount of damage. The second obvious variable is the amount of roots. Your front teeth can have only one root while some of your molars can have up to three. More roots, more canals, longer time to clean them out. The next variable will be yourself, which tooth, and your time management . Finally, your dentist will suggest the proper approach, which might mean one visit or two.

The Difference in One Appointment versus Two

The duration of your root canal procedure starts with whether the dentist is dealing with one or more roots. The second factor is whether the attempt is to complete the procedure in one visit or two. Ballpark estimates document that if you are dealing with a single root the appointment will range between 20 and 55 minutes, or an average of 37 minutes. If it is a molar the procedure will range from 45 to 110 minutes, or an average of 75 minutes. These estimates don’t include the initial evaluation and the x-rays to support the findings. They just include the procedure itself.

The Steps of a Root Canal

Once the evaluation and the x-ray confirm that you need a root canal the tooth to be repaired is numbed with local anesthesia. A small hole is drilled open at the top of the tooth and the dentist will proceed to remove the infected and damaged pulp from the pulp chamber and the canal. After the diseased tissue is removed the chamber and canal are enlarged and thoroughly cleaned. Sometimes a disinfectant is sealed in the canal and a second visit is necessary to complete the process. Once the canal is cleaned a rubbery like material called gutta-percha is placed into the space and then the tooth is sealed permanently with a filling.

Sometimes if this procedure is done in a single visit it may take a second appointment to have a crown placed over the tooth to protect it and add its longevity.

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