How Long Does A Root Canal Procedure Take?

Diagnosis & Treatment Of Root Canal Diseases

A root canal may seem like a long and tedious dental procedure, but it can provide incredible pain relief and increased function in the mouth. However, when you’re working with an experienced Gilbert dentist office, root canal procedures do not need to be long, difficult, or uncomfortable. A skilled and experienced dentist can make root canal procedures as simple as possible.

Gilbert Dentist Preforming a Root Canal in Gilbert, AZ

What Is a Root Canal Procedure?

This type of dental procedure is commonly recommended when there are serious dental infections or damage to the nerve inside a tooth. Root canals relieve pain from teeth that are seriously infection or have developed an abscess. During a root canal, the inflamed pulp, which is the center part of a tooth made up of connective tissue, blood vessels, and cells, are removed. The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected to prevent further spread of infection, and a filling is placed to fill the space inside the tooth.

Your Gilbert dentist may recommend a root canal if your teeth are showing signs of significant infection or pulpal nerve damage. This often starts when a tooth becomes cracked or a cavity is left untreated. Eventually, bacteria enters the pulp at the center of the tooth, causing deep tooth decay and serious pain. Untreated infections in the pulp can lead to bone loss and tooth loss, and can even spread through the body.

Signs that you may need a root canal include:

Severe pain in a tooth while chewing, eating, drinking, or brushing
Extreme sensitivity to hot to cold drinks
Swelling in the gums or face
Graying or discoloration of the tooth
Tender, swollen gums in the area
Pus or drainage from the tooth

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your Gilbert dental clinic for an appointment to explore the cause.

Different Approaches To Root Canal Treatment

There are two primary approaches to root canals.

Two Visit Root Canal Treatment

The most common approach to a root canal requires two visits. At the first appointment, your Gilbert dentist will give you anesthesia and then expose the root canal. The area will be thoroughly drained and cleaned with specially designed equipment. Depending on the severity of the infection, your dentist may inject medication into the area to kill any lingering infection.

At the second appointment, which may be 1-3 weeks later, the canal is filled with dental sealant in order to prevent bacterial contamination of the sterile canal. Finally, the tooth is restored with a composite restoration that binds to the tooth. The tooth may be capped with a crown in order to strengthen it and provide an extra layer of protection.

Although a two visit root canal procedure can be more time consuming, your Gilbert dental care professionals may recommend it if you have a severe infection in order to improve the outcome.

Single Visit Root Canal Treatment

In some cases, the entire root canal procedure, including cleaning, shaping, filling, and sealing, can be done in one appointment. The appointment will take more time, but many patients prefer the convenience of having the procedure done all at once.

Multiple Visit Root Canal Treatment

The most important considerations that determine the length your root canal procedure will take depend on the severity of the tenderness, pain, and swelling that are present. If the infection and its symptoms are severe, your Gilbert dental office may choose a multiple visit approach. If the bacterial infection is more mild, your dentist can safely opt for a one or two visit treatment.

Schedule Your Appointment With A Trusted Dental Clinic In Gilbert

If you need a root canal, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontic services, or a preventative exam, contact Gilbert Vista Dental to learn more about how we can serve you. As a leading dentist in Gilbert, Dr. Rita Peck has developed a reputation as a skilled dentist who focuses on client satisfaction and comfort. Our office works with a wide variety of insurances and offers affordable solutions for patients who are uninsured. Ask about our dental savings plans! To schedule your appointment, contact our office today.