How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?

People often get nervous and apprehensive during root canal treatment due to misconceptions about how long it would take and how uncomfortable it will be. However, it’s important to debunk these misconceptions and give precise details regarding how long a root canal treatment takes to conclude. 

What is Root Canal Treatment?

A root canal procedure, commonly called endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure performed to repair a tooth that is badly damaged or decaying. To prevent the infection from spreading, the dentist in Winnipeg removes the infected pulp (the tooth’s inside) and cleans and closes the root canals. Contrary to common opinion, modern root canal procedures are carried out under local anesthetic, ensuring the patient will experience less discomfort.

When Do We Need a Root Canal Treatment?

Here are some common scenarios that might necessitate a root canal procedure:

• Tooth decay 
• Dental trauma 
• Deep fillings 
• Repeated dental procedure 
• Cracked or fractured tooth 
• Abscess
• Prolonged tooth sensitivity 
• Darkening or discoloration
• Gum boil or pimple

Remember that not all tooth discomfort or sensitivity instances call for a root canal. To assess the severity of the issue, your dentist near you will carefully inspect your oral cavity. If a root canal is required, they will review the process with you and your available treatment options. Early care can often preserve the tooth by preventing the need for more extensive dental repair.

Stages of Root Canal Treatment

1. Diagnosis and Assessment

Before surgery, the dentist or endodontist, who treats the interior of teeth, will examine the tooth and perform x-rays to assess the extent of decay or infection. This step is crucial for determining the complex nature of the condition and personalizing the treatment.

2. Local Anesthesia

To ensure a pain-free procedure, the dentist will use a local anesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area.

3. Access Opening

The dentist will make a tiny opening in the tooth’s crown to access the infected pulp and root canals.

4. Cleaning and Shaping

The dentist will gently remove the diseased pulp tissue using advanced equipment and clean the root canals. After that, the canals are created to allow for appropriate filling. 

5. Filling the Canals

The canals are filled with a biocompatible gutta-percha material after cleaning and shaping. By sealing the canals, this material prevents the spread of infection.

6. Restoration 

A temporary or permanent repair (such as a filling or crown) will restore the tooth’s functioning and appearance, depending on the loss of tooth structure during the treatment.

Factors Affecting Treatment Time

The timeline for completing a root canal treatment can vary based on several factors:

Number of Canals: Teeth can have varying numbers of root canals. In contrast to front teeth, which only have one canal, molars may have many canals. Cleaning and filling more channels often takes more time.

Severity of Infection: The severity of the condition or tooth damage may impact the procedure’s complexity and turnaround time.

Tooth Location: Due to accessibility issues, treating teeth in difficult-to-reach parts of the mouth may take longer.

Technological Advances: The procedure can be accelerated in some areas using cutting-edge tools and methods, reducing treatment time overall.

Follow-up Appointments: Complex root canal procedures can call for many visits to a dental clinic in Winnipeg. The effectiveness of the treatment depends on follow-up visits.

Approximate Duration

A simple root canal procedure can often be completed in one to two sessions, each lasting between 90 minutes and two hours. However, more complicated instances could call for multiple visits, and the course of treatment might take a few weeks.

Get Effective Root Canal Services in Winnipeg! 

Greenwoods Dental is the only place to go if you need an effective root canal in Winnipeg. Our skilled dental staff is committed to giving you the exceptional care possible while always keeping you comfortable. We use the most modern equipment for effective root canal treatments, whether you have a severe toothache or a persistent infection. For comprehensive dental care that puts your oral health and overall well-being first, consider scheduling an appoint with us!