Root canals are an invasive dental procedure that involves the removal of tissue from inside the tooth in order to save it. Root canal therapy has been around since the late 1800s, and the process has remained relatively unchanged over time due to its effectiveness. But just how long is a root canal procedure take? How much time do you need to prepare for your appointment? This guide will answer all of these questions and more so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your root canal treatment.
Why people get a root canal
If you’re getting a root canal, it means that your tooth has been damaged or infected by bacteria. The infection can spread to other areas of your body, which is why it’s important to take care of your teeth so you don’t have to deal with potentially serious problems like a root canal. Luckily, while there are plenty of issues that cause dental damage and infections, they aren’t all permanent—but if left untreated (or improperly treated), they can cause severe problems throughout your body. In some cases, you may need an oral surgery procedure such as a tooth extraction or wisdom teeth removal.
What are the symptoms of an infected tooth
You know that teeth are usually pretty sturdy, but if something does go wrong with one of your teeth, it can be extremely painful. An infected tooth is no laughing matter: you may experience swelling in your face and notice that your gums are red and swollen too. The pain will feel throbbing or ache-like, which means you’ll want to talk to an experienced dentist as soon as possible. It’s important to find out exactly what happened before you start any treatment plans, so make sure you tell your dentist everything! You’ll need an x-ray to help figure out how deep or severe the infection actually is. Many people mistake symptoms of an infected tooth for a common cold—so take caution!
What should you do when you notice symptoms
When you visit your dentist to find out if you need a root canal, there’s no telling how long it will take. A root canal procedure can typically take up to three hours or more. Ask your dentist about his or her experience with performing root canals and about their specific fee for the procedure, as there are often additional costs for visiting an oral surgeon or specialist. And remember that time may be an issue—if you have an emergency dental problem, call your dentist first.
Choosing your dentist or oral surgeon
When choosing your dentist or oral surgeon, it’s important to find one that you feel comfortable with. First and foremost, dentists are doctors. If you go to a dentist whose bedside manner you don’t trust, chances are your comfort level during treatment will be compromised. Beyond that, if you go to someone who doesn’t make it clear what kind of insurance he or she takes or whether they’re in-network for your plan (or who makes it clear but then doesn’t actually work within those confines), that could add stress and drama to what’s already an unpleasant experience.
A day in the life at the dentist
Many people don’t realize that root canals are actually more complex than most other dental procedures. It takes about an hour for a dentist to perform each one, and that doesn’t include prep work or evaluation. When you add in those steps, it takes approximately 3 hours per tooth—or 10 hours for an entire mouth of impacted wisdom teeth. Plus, there’s another hour of appointment time for both dentist and patient to consider: about two appointments total are required to complete the procedure and follow-up visits usually happen six months later to check on healing progress. Once your mouth is healthy again, it’s back to enjoying your favorite dishes once again!
After your treatment
You may return to your normal daily activities immediately after treatment, but it’s important to take care of yourself for at least 24 hours. Eat healthy food that contains natural sugars, such as apples and bananas, or drink something like chocolate milk, to help restore lost blood sugar levels. If you have any questions or concerns about your root canal treatment, contact our New York City office today. We would be happy to discuss any lingering questions or concerns you might have.
All about dental implants
The length of time it takes to complete a dental implant depends on many factors, including whether or not you’re also having another procedure done at the same time and your dentist’s individual preferences. The good news: you can have it done in as little as one visit or stretch it out over several weeks depending on your schedule and what you’re comfortable with. For example, if you’re getting a crown or other tooth-colored restoration placed on top of an implant, that process may take up to two appointments; otherwise, most procedures should be completed within three months. During that time frame, however, there are some things you can do to help speed up recovery—and even get back to enjoying life sooner than expected!
