Have you ever wondered what a root canal entails and how long does a root canal take? If so, this article will answer how long does a root canal take?
First, here’s the definition of a root canal: it’s an endodontic treatment that prevents tooth pulp from getting infected or decayed by any microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, in the dental pulp.
Root canal treatment is one of the most common and crucial dental procedures dentists perform today.
Root canal therapy is usually performed when there’s severe damage or infection in the tooth’s pulp chamber, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue that support the tooth’s underlying structure.
The most common reasons for this are trauma to the tooth, extreme wear of its enamel layer, and decay in its internal layers.
How Root Canals Work:
While we don’t typically think of our teeth as organs, they are composed of specialized tissues that, like all other tissues, need nourishment to stay alive. The roots of our teeth house tiny blood vessels (called dental pulp) that help keep these tissues alive.
But sometimes, those blood vessels are damaged by tooth decay or an injury to your mouth (like biting your cheek). In response to these injuries, your body produces inflammatory cells called white blood cells.
If those white blood cells aren’t removed from the area soon after they’re produced, they can harm surrounding tissue—including parts of your tooth’s structure, and that’s where root canals come in.
They remove infected tissue inside your tooth and replace it with a sterile filling. This process allows you to maintain healthy teeth for years to come!
What Causes Tooth Pain from a Cavity:
If you’ve ever had a cavity, you know cavities are incredibly painful. The cause of tooth pain from holes typically comes down to two culprits: an exposed nerve (the nerves in your teeth are located in small canals just beneath their surface) and decay or infection. Dentists usually describe tooth pain caused by cavities as toothache pain, but if left untreated, it will become a full-blown dental emergency that could require significant work.
A surefire way to prevent further damage from cavity-related tooth pain is to immediately see your dentist for professional treatment and advice.
Signs of Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay can manifest in several ways. The first sign of tooth decay typically comes when you feel something foreign in your mouth that shouldn’t be there. If you brush and floss regularly, you can spot signs of tooth decay before it becomes a problem.
Look for these warning signs: The most common sign of tooth decay is sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks. Other symptoms include swollen gums, chewing or swallowing pain, and bad breath.
You may also see white or brown spots on your teeth—these are called caries lesions—and if left untreated, they will eventually lead to cavities. To prevent tooth decay from occurring, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day.
Visit your dentist every six months for regular checkups, cleanings, and professional dental exams. Additionally, avoid snacking between meals; have nutritious meals throughout the day to keep bacteria from collecting in your mouth.
How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
If you’re looking for something quick, ask your dentist. Dentists can perform a root canal in as little as 30 minutes. However, if you’re going to be put under general anesthesia, that could add at least an hour to your appointment.
On average, most dental offices will try to complete treatment within one hour of your scheduled appointment time. It allows patients to return to their daily lives without sitting around for several hours waiting for their procedure.
The Procedure for Getting a Root Canal:
The first step in getting a root canal involves cleaning out as much infected material as possible from inside your tooth using an ultrasonic tool and drills.
After removing all the diseased tissue, your dentist will place a rubber seal called gutta percha into your empty tooth. Then they will fill in around it with unique materials and place a temporary crown over the top.
Over time, new healthy tissue grows into your tooth from below ground level; eventually, when enough new tissue has grown in, you’ll get another appointment to remove the temporary crown and replace it with a permanent one.
In addition to restoring your smile, a root canal saves you money because it avoids replacing an entire tooth.
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