How Long Does a Root Canal Take

A root canal is a common dental procedure, yet there are many myths about root canals that many people still believe. One of those myths is that a root canal is a long, grueling process. But with modern techniques and technology in dentistry today, a root canal is no longer something to fear or dread. 

If you are in need of this procedure, you may be wondering how long a root canal procedure takes. Here’s what you can expect in preparation for your appointment. 

What is a Root Canal?

The root canal is the inside portion of your tooth that contains the dental pulp, a soft tissue containing blood vessels and nerves that sustain the tooth. A root canal procedure, sometimes called root canal therapy, is the process of removing the dental pulp and replacing it with Bio ceramic  sealer & Gutta percha material to treat and/or help prevent reinfection. 

The root canal is accessed through a small hole in the crown of your tooth. The pulp is completely removed and the canal is flushed out to remove any bacteria or infected tissue. The root canal is then filled with bioceramic sealer & gutta percha material and the small access opening  will be placed either a small piece of cotton and cavit (return visit to your doctor) or composite which is the same material your dentist uses to fill cavities. 

How Long Does a Root Canal Take? 

On average, a root canal procedure may take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. A simple root canal may take a little over an hour, and a complex root canal may take 1-3 hours. Applying anesthesia takes up a portion of that time, depending on the type. Most root canals can be done with just local anesthesia, but we also provide sedation options for those who feel they need relaxation assistance. 

Why is a Root Canal Necessary?

The ultimate goal of a root canal procedure is to save the tooth. A root canal may be done if a tooth is infected, meaning that bacteria has invaded the dental pulp. Unfortunately giving antibiotics alone, like with other infections in your body, will not definitively treat the necrotic pulp. Teeth need additional procedures to remove the infection. An infected tooth can be painful and may result in loss of the tooth. The infected tissue can be removed and replaced with artificial material that is bacteria resistant, new products are hydrophilic, which means they like water and the bond to the surrounding tooth structure in the canal . There are times when a root canal is chosen to be done due to no bacterial infections, for example if a tooth has a deep cavity, a crack, or has sustained an injury, a root canal can prevent bacteria from entering and infecting the pulp. 

Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Anesthesia will be used to ensure that you feel no pain during your root canal procedure. There are many different techniques to facilitate this procedure of ensuring your procedure is pain free.Sedation options such as nitrous oxide and conscious oral sedation can help you relax and feel more comfortable. It may feel as if time passes more quickly while under sedation as well, allowing you to breeze right through the procedure. 

Forest Lake Endodontics Provides Root Canal Therapy

Forest Lake Endodontics specializes in the treatment of dental pulp. If you are in need of root canal therapy, we have extensive experience performing this procedure. We use technology to ensure we reach the entire root canal to prevent the need for retreatment. Our goal is to save your tooth so that it can remain in place for the rest of your life. 

Call 651-464-9888 today to schedule or request an appointment.