Root canals are the perfect choice when one wants to salvage a tooth that is infected. If this is your first time, learning about how long the root canal procedure takes will give you a sense of security and authority. Stay with us till the end to know the answers to all your questions.
It usually takes dentists 30 minutes to 1 hour to perform a root canal on your infected tooth. The duration of this procedure depends on various factors, such as the number of teeth and their location.
Here's a step-wise breakdown of what happens during the procedure:
It all starts with numbing the area with the help of Injections into the gums and the tooth's root. Once its effects start kicking in, your dentist places a dental dam to isolate the tooth that needs the root canal and covers the rest.
The next step is your dentist drilling through the tooth to reach the canals and pulp chamber. They have instruments to clean out the inner chamber and root canals. Moreover, they apply antibacterial and antiseptic solutions to clean and disinfect. This gets rid of the bacteria and treats the infection.
Now is the time to place a filling in emptied root canals. But first, they must be reshaped. Your dentist has tiny instruments to do so, making your teeth good enough to receive the filling material.
There are many inert materials available for this. Dental fillers are like rubber, placed inside the canals and then heated. Afterward, they compress it so that it fits against the walls. Next up is the sealing of the canals after adhesion.
The ends must be tied for no access to the canals. This prevents bacteria from reentering the tooth. Additionally, they might need to use a post in it to strengthen the tooth.
Following your root canal, you might be sent home with a prescription for antibiotics to treat the infection. They are meant to kill the lingering bacteria. Adherence to post-care instructions is a must for adequate healing. It is normal to experience discomfort for a few days after undergoing the procedure. For that, over-the-counter pain medications usually serve as the best way out.
If the root canal treatment was done on one or more teeth at the back, a crown might be needed. They are placed around the treated tooth to add strength and stability. This permanent crown is designed to match your existing teeth and function like one, too.
If you need to undergo a root canal and are concerned about the treatment, you can contact our specialist Dr. Ram Nallapaneni, DDS, from the University of Illinois, Chicago, a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), at Riverside Family Dental for all your questions and queries. Give us a call at (586) 468-0983 to schedule an appointment.
