Root canal treatment is a restorative procedure that has the potential to preserve your tooth and permanently end your toothache. It is something to look forward to! However, it is understandable if you still just want to “get it over with.” How long does the process take, and what can you expect as you are recovering? This blog post shares some helpful information.
What Happens During Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal therapy is a process that requires great attention to detail, so even though your endodontist will work efficiently, you should not expect a fast appointment. During your treatment, your care team will have to access the interior portion of your tooth, thoroughly clean out infected tissues from even very tiny root canals, and then fill the tooth in with an inert material to preserve its structure.
Even with the help of an operating microscope and other advanced instruments, your endodontist will not rush through your procedure. They will take as much time as they need to make sure you receive high-quality treatment.
How Long Does Root Canal Therapy Take?
The biggest factor that affects the treatment duration for a root canal is the specific tooth that needs treatment.
- Molars: Procedures that involve molars typically require the greatest amount of time, with appointments frequently lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. The reason for this extended duration is the intricate structure of molars, which possess several root canals. Each canal must be meticulously cleaned, shaped, and sealed, leading to a lengthier overall process.
- Premolars: Root canal therapy on premolars generally takes approximately 45 to 75 minutes. Since premolars tend to have just one or two root canals, the procedure does not require as much time as treatments for molars, but still demands careful attention to detail.
- Front teeth (incisors and canines): The time required for root canal treatment on front teeth is typically the shortest, with most appointments ranging from 30 to 60 minutes. Incisors and canines usually contain a single root canal, allowing for a more straightforward and efficient process.
Your endodontic care team will do all they can to make you comfortable as they work. Hopefully, the time will seem to pass quickly!
Recovery Timeline
Recovering from root canal therapy is not a difficult or lengthy process for most patients. Any soreness should start to diminish within a few days, and the last of the discomfort should be gone within just weeks.
Your endodontic team will provide guidance to help your recovery move along efficiently. For example, you might need to avoid hard or crunchy foods, and you may be directed to take pain medications. If your endodontist asks you to attend any follow-up treatments, it is important that you do so. You will likely need a crown to protect the treated tooth from additional damage.
Root canal treatment requires a bit of a time commitment, but it is a worthwhile process that can be great for your oral health! Talk to your care provider to learn more about this service and what you can expect from it.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Tam Trinh and Nisha Mehta are the highly skilled endodontists in our office. Both are members of the prestigious American Association of Endodontists. They work to provide efficient and thorough care in a comfortable setting. If you have questions about root canal therapy and its treatment timeline, our team would be happy to speak with you. To learn more or to request an appointment, contact MeTa Endodontics in Deerfield, IL, at 847-920-6382.