A root canal is a routine dental procedure that helps save a tooth from severe infection and prevent reinfection. While some patients worry the procedure will be long and painful, advancements in modern dentistry have made root canals straightforward and comfortable. At Grand Ledge Smiles, we want you to feel prepared and confident about your treatment.
Let’s break down what to expect, how long a root canal typically takes, and what factors affect the timing!
How Many Visits Does A Root Canal Require?
Most root canals can be completed in one or two visits. The actual procedure itself takes place during the first appointment. To prevent infections, the root canal is cleaned and filled with a crown or other filling at the second (and possibly third) appointment. Each appointment lasts approximately ninety minutes.
Factors That Affect the Length of the Procedure
There are a few variables that can affect the precise timing of your treatment, such as:
- Anatomy and Tooth Position: The International Journal of Oral Science reports that treating molars, particularly those with intricate root systems, frequently takes longer than treating anterior teeth.
- Preoperative Condition: According to the International Endodontic Journal, teeth that exhibit infections or periapical lesions may require more cleaning and disinfection, which could lengthen the procedure.
- Patient-Specific Factors: The Journal of Applied Oral Science reveals that systemic diseases like diabetes mellitus and hypertension can prevent wounds from healing and may affect the course and length of treatment.
After Root Canal Treatment Tips
Immediately After Procedure: Some patients have an uneven bite or react negatively to post-treatment medication, while others have sensitivity, swelling, or inflammation in the initial days following a root canal. A follow-up appointment is nearly always required, regardless of symptoms.
Brush Normally: After receiving a root canal, brush and floss as usual unless instructed otherwise by our dentist.
No Smoking: Smoking is not advised because it raises the possibility of requiring additional surgery. As the number of years spent smoking rises, smokers are almost twice as likely as non-smokers to require root canal therapy, according to the American Association of Endodontists.
Avoid Hard and Chewy Foods: Following a root canal, be sure to adhere to all our doctor’s instructions. These usually include avoiding hard or particularly chewy foods and exercising extreme caution near the root canal site.
Driving After Treatment: You are often conscious and awake throughout the root canal procedure and can resume your regular activities after treatment, including operating machinery and driving, as soon as it is finished.
Grand Ledge Smiles can assist you with any questions you may have or if you require a root canal! Start your smile-saving journey and call our friendly team to book a consultation today!