A root canal is a common dental procedure used to treat infected or damaged teeth. It’s done to remove the infected part of the tooth and stop further damage when the pulp, the soft tissue inside the tooth, gets infected, usually from decay or injury.
If you’re considering a root canal and are wondering how long it might take, you’ve come to the right place.
Root Canal Procedure Time
A root canal procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes to complete. It usually takes a bit longer than a standard filling because the entire tooth’s nerve needs to be cut out, cleaned, disinfected, and sealed in addition to anesthetic, setup, and preparation.
Incisors and Canines
The teeth in the front of your mouth that help you tear and cut food during meals are called canine and incisor teeth. They are quicker and simpler to fill and cure because they just have one root.
Premolars
Premolars are located closer to the center of your teeth. It might take an hour or longer to remove them because they have one or two roots.
Molars
Up to four canals can be found in the molars, which are the big teeth at the rear of your mouth. It might take up to 90 minutes to execute a root canal on a molar.
Factors Affecting the Longevity of Root Canal Procedure
Two main factors affect how long a root canal takes: the number of canals that require cleaning and the type of tooth that requires treatment.
Here are the variables that could cause your root canal procedure to be longer:
- Tooth Complexity
Cleaning and filling teeth with curved canals or many roots may take longer. - Disease Severity
A more serious illness could require more washing and disinfection, which would take longer. - Location of the Tooth
Molars and other teeth near the rear of the mouth may be more challenging to reach, which might lengthen the process. - Individual Patient Factors
The duration of the treatment may also be affected by the patient’s anatomy, susceptibility to local anesthetic, and general health.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
It’s important to see your dentist right away if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms so they can determine whether a root canal is required. The symptoms include:
- A throbbing, ongoing pain that gets worse when you chew or apply pressure.
- Increased susceptibility to hot or cold substances, even after the stimuli have been eliminated.
- Soreness or inflammation in the gums around a particular tooth.
- When a tooth becomes discolored, it usually looks darker than the teeth around it.
- A pimple-like lump appears on the gums next to the tooth that is affected.
In Short
The longevity of a root canal procedure depends on various factors, including the tooth’s intricacy and the dentist’s experience. However, 1-2 hours is the typical time needed for each tooth.
Do you think you need root canal treatment? Bay Colony Dental and Orthodontics has a team of experts who are eager to help you achieve your ideal oral health. Call (281) 337-9000 to book your appointment.