How Long Does Root Canal Therapy Take?

The last thing you want to hear at your routine checkup is that you need a root canal in Arlington. If you’ve never had one before, you may be wondering how long it’ll take to complete your treatment. Even though it’s hard to say the exact amount of time your appointment will last, the entire process is much quicker than you may think. Read on to learn how long the average root canal takes and what to expect during your recovery.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal is inside the tooth and contains the pulp, nerves, and blood vessels. It connects the tooth to your bone and gums! When it becomes infected or inflamed, you’ll likely need root canal therapy to treat it. If you fail to address the problem, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, causing your more pain and leading to complications down the line. Waiting too long to seek treatment means your only viable solution will eventually be an extraction – which is far more extensive and costly than root canal therapy.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

During root canal therapy, your dentist will remove the infection and damaged tissue inside your tooth. They’ll clean out the inside, disinfect it, and fill it with sterile material. Your healthy tooth structure is then preserved with a dental crown or other restoration. In many cases, root canal therapy takes about 30 to 90 minutes to complete. Of course, the exact amount of time can vary depending on the severity of the infection and how many roots the tooth has

Let’s take a look at the average amount of time for each tooth:

• Molars – These are located at the back of your mouth and have up to four roots. Typically, it takes about 90 minutes or longer to clean out.
• Premolars – These are between your molars and anterior teeth, having only one or two roots. It can take about 45-90 minutes to perform a root canal.
• Canines – Since these only have one root, it should only take about 45-60 minutes.

What to Expect During Your Recovery

Most patients can expect to recover from their procedure within a few days. In the first 24 to 48 hours following the procedure, it’s common to experience mild soreness or irritation. The good news is you can easily manage your discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. It’s incredibly important to keep your mouth as clean as possible and diligently follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. By doing so, you can expect to make a speedy and smooth sailing recovery.

Root canal therapy may seem like a daunting procedure, but it certainly doesn’t have to be that way! Your dentist will use modern practices and advanced dental technology to effectively remove any infection in no time at all.

About the Practice

At South Arlington Dental Care, we strive to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and personalized dental care to patients of all ages. Our goal is to help nearby families achieve and maintain optimal oral health. If you have any questions about your upcoming root canal in Pantego, don’t hesitate to ask. You can make an appointment via our website or call (817) 860-2222.