Decades of comedic portrayals on television and in movies have left root canals with a fierce reputation, but these depictions of the treatment as a dreadful and painful ordeal are not true to life. Modern root canals are rendered completely painless by anesthetics and sedation treatments, and the recovery period should only involve mild and temporary discomfort if any. Here’s a quick overview of the timeframe associated with the root canal process and how you can keep your recovery smooth and complication-free.
How Long Does It Take to Perform a Root Canal?
The length of time required for a root canal varies based on a number of factors, and you should expect the entire appointment to take about ninety minutes or more. The process will always begin with the patient receiving an appropriate anesthetic to ensure their comfort, and they may also receive dental sedation if necessary.
One of the most important factors in how long your root canal will take is the type of tooth being treated. Examples include:
- Molars: The flat-crowned teeth at the back of your mouth that serve to grind food into a pulp are called molars, and they are the most complex teeth you have. Since they can have up to four canals, a root canal for a molar can take more than ninety minutes.
- Premolars: These teeth are the sharp teeth in front of your molars that help shred and grind food, and they have one or two roots. Treating a premolar may take an hour or more.
- Canines and incisors: Your front teeth help cut and tear food as you chew, and they each have only one root. Treating them usually takes forty-five minutes to an hour.
How Long Does It Take to Restore My Tooth?
After you receive a root canal, your dentist will probably recommend placing a dental crown to protect the treated tooth and restore its structure. You will most likely need some time for your tooth to heal before you can receive a crown, and it usually takes two appointments to place one.
During the first appointment, your dentist will take impressions of your bite and position a temporary restoration on the tooth. You’ll come back to their office about two weeks later to have the temporary appliance removed and your permanent crown cemented in place.
How Can I Keep My Recovery Process Smooth?
You may experience some mild soreness and sensitivity for several days after receiving a root canal or a dental crown, and this can typically be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers taken as instructed. You can also reduce discomfort and swelling with an ice pack or cold compress. However, contact your dentist if you notice signs of infection such as fatigue, fever, chills, a foul taste in your mouth, or pain that gets worse after several days.
Root canal therapy can eliminate a miserable toothache and prevent future infections. Knowing what to expect during the procedure and the recovery period can take a lot of stress out of the process.
About the Author
Dr. Barry Miller earned his dental degree at the Ohio State University and has completed extensive continuing education coursework to refine his skillset. He takes great pride in providing the finest dental care possible to the community of Marysville. His practice offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as root canal services. To learn more about the root canal process, contact his office online or dial (937) 642-3434.