How Long Should You Expect a Root Canal to Take?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic surgery, is the dental procedure of removing and cleaning the damaged or infected pulp of your teeth and covering it with a filling again.

If you are wondering "What is a root canal?" is and how long it takes, of course, the above answer may not be enough for you. Perhaps because you also think about "Are root canals painful?", you have postponed getting information and treatment until today. However, today, with the help of advances in dentistry and modern techniques, it is possible to undergo treatment in a largely painless and comfortable way.

So, contrary to popular belief, there is no root canal pain. If you feel pain, it is the pain of the infected tooth. The goal of the treatment is to eliminate this. In addition, anesthesia is already applied to your teeth and surrounding soft tissue. Moreover, it is completed in 2 sessions and one lasts only 30 minutes to 90 minutes. Every day you postpone can lead you towards tooth loss. After reading this article, stop thinking "does root canal hurt" and take action.

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal procedures, also known as root canal dentistry, are often performed to salvage a treated tooth that has succumbed to infection or decay. These treatments are especially common for canines and incisors, the front teeth that are vital for biting and chewing.

A root canal is a dental procedure designed to remove the infected or damaged pulp inside a tooth. This pulp is nestled within the single root or multiple roots of your teeth and houses sensitive nerves and blood vessels. When it becomes infected, it can lead to severe tooth pain and even more serious health issues if left untreated.

The procedure involves carefully removing the infected pulp, disinfecting the area, and then sealing it with a permanent filling or a temporary filling in some cases. The choice between permanent and temporary filling depends on various factors, such as the need for additional follow-up treatment.

What are the Symptoms of Root Canal?

It may not be easy to recognise when your teeth are infected. Nevertheless, you can recognise certain signs. Root canal symptoms are as follows:

• Toothache that does not go away.
• Swelling of the gums.
• Sensitivity to cold and heat.
• Pimples on the gums.
• Swelling in the jaw.
• Pain when pressure is applied.

These symptoms may also occur after a treatment. What if you're worried about signs of infection after a root canal or a failed root canal? While rare, complications can occur. If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or any unusual symptoms after a root canal, it's crucial to consult your dentist promptly. Early intervention can prevent more significant issues from arising.

How is Root Canal Treatment Performed?

The answer to the question of how long a root canal takes depends on the scope of the procedure. It is also useful to know how the procedure is performed in order to overcome your fears. Your dentist first asks for X-rays to perform a simple root canal examination. The damage to your tooth is determined. The first thing to do after anesthesia is to remove the pulp. This step usually determines how long the treatment will take.

The root canals are cleaned with the help of a special apparatus. After the disinfection process, your specialist closes the cavity with a temporary filling or permanent one. This decision is made according to the condition of the tooth. However, you usually wait 3-4 days before your permanent filling is made. This is the easiest step of endodontic treatment. It is very difficult for a successful treatment to be re-infected. For this reason, root canal treatment side effects are rarely seen.

Things to Consider After Root Canal Treatment

There are some things you should pay attention to after root canal therapy. Since all the nerves in your tooth are cleaned during the treatment, it is not affected by external stimuli. However, if you have intense pain and sensitivity before the procedure, you may experience sensitivity in your tissues for a while after the operation is over. It is possible to cope with this situation with painkillers prescribed by your dentist.

It is recommended not to eat anything for 2-3 hours after treatment. Not consuming sugary foods too much is another factor that ensures the longevity of your teeth. You should clean your teeth at least 2 times a day with a soft-tipped brush and dental floss. You should also not neglect your annual examinations. So, saving the tooth depends a little bit on you. In addition, what you do in this process is decisive in the root canal recovery time.

In addition, some patients ask questions such as how long does a root canal last without a crown. This is not very healthy and dentists never recommend you to wait for a long time in this way. Remember, after endodontics treatment, you should care for your root canal infection as you care for your natural tooth. For more information about root canal cost, the procedure, and any other questions you may have, you can make an appointment at the Medical Center, which performs the best dental treatments in Turkey. Please contact us via our contact details.