ROOT CANAL PROCEDURE DURATION

The initial objective of the root canal procedure is to save the tooth. This goal needs to be kept in sight when the discussion takes place about how long the procedure takes. The procedure can take place in one office visit, or two and even three. Let’s look at the variables that can influence
the outcome.

Why a Root Canal

The tooth is a living element in your mouth. Under the hard surface of the enamel and dentin is a chamber in the center of the tooth called a pulp chamber. The soft tissue here contains the nerves and blood vessels. Nutrition is delivered via the blood vessels in the canals to the soft tissue and then signals are sent to the brain through the nerves. If the tooth in question develops a crack or a fracture, or if you neglected a cavity; any one of these can deliver bacteria to the pulp and the result will be an infected tooth. Once the pulp is infected this tissue will need to be removed. Depending on how long you take to pursue the root canal procedure the pain will only increase in that tooth.

The Length of time for the Root Canal Procedure

The starting point will be the office visit in which the dentist does an examination and then will confirm the result of that examination with an x-ray. The first variable in determining the length of the procedure is the tooth itself. A front tooth or a molar. Every tooth is different. Some teeth have one root canal, some have four. A dentist needs extra training to conduct the procedure so you may have to get an endodontist involved who specializes in these procedures. The tooth is numbed with anesthesia, a small hole is drilled to enter the tooth, and small tools and files are then used to remove the infected pulp. At this point the procedure can continue or the dentist may elect to place a medication (calcium hydroxide) in the pulp chamber, temporarily close the tooth and let the medication kill any possible bacteria and infection. The next step, once the chamber and canal are totally free of any infection and bacteria, is to fill the space with a rubber like material called gutta-percha and then sealed off with cement. This could be the conclusion of the root canal procedure with a filling, or you could elect, and should elect, to return for a permanent crown over the tooth. The duration of the procedure could be three visits of 30-45 minutes each or one visit of at least 90 minutes. Again, it depends on the tooth and the amount of infection and decay.

Is a Root Canal really worth it?

Remember that initial goal, to retain your original and natural teeth as long as you can. By having a root canal you have accomplished that. With a crown placed to protect that tooth it could last years, or even a life time. A root canal is painless and it is worth saving that tooth.

West Mobile Dental Care, located in Mobile, provides the full range of preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dental procedures including root canal therapy. Contact our office today to find out more about our practice and how we can help you with your oral health.

If you're just interested in learning more about root canal in general, here's some additional reading on how much you can expect a root canal to cost.