Root Canal | How many visits does it take?
If you’re in serious pain and a root canal is called for, you’ll need a first visit to get the pain sorted. After that the next two appointments will deal with the infected matter causing all that pain, and finally the root canal will be sealed off ready for a crown. Read on for why a root canal treatment may be needed and what you need to watch out for.
How many visits does it take for Root Canal Treatment?
You can expect two or three visits for an endodontic treatment, better known as a root canal. Your first appointment works on fixing the pain you probably have, and that shouldn’t take too long. Once that’s settled, your next appointments will treat the root canal. When the root canal work has been completed you will probably need a crown for the tooth, so that will be extra appointments. Your dentist will discuss what your particular treatment will involve during your first examination.
Some root canals are particularly narrow or tricky to access, so you may have to see an endodontic specialist – your dentist will arrange this for you.
You may require a Root Canal
If you’re in pain because the dental pulp inside your tooth is infected, you will need a root canal to remove the infection and hopefully save the tooth.
The dental pulp is soft internal tissue and nerves and goes down into the roots of your tooth. It can become inflamed due to a crack or a cavity and you may at first feel sensitivity, and a tenderness when chewing on the tooth. But once the inflammation increases and an infection begins, the pain can be intense. If it’s left to continue an abscess will probably form and this could infect and damage your jaw as well.
Root Canal Treatment can be painful
Anaesthetic is used to numb the tooth to be treated, so the only pain is the light sting of the injection. After that, your tooth will be prepped so that the canals can be cleaned of all the infected matter. Next the canals are dried, treated with medication to heal them and sealed off to protect them during healing. Anti-inflammatory tablets will help reduce discomfort after the treatment.
At your next appointment another local anaesthetic will be used so that the canals can be opened and filled with a special material to retain their structure. Finally they’re permanently sealed and a crown can protect the tooth from damage.
Root Canal timeline
Provided you are meticulous with your oral hygiene and have regular checkups, your root canal can last for many years. Your dentist may also want to check for ongoing infection in or around the tooth with X-rays.
If you’re unsure you’re up to date with the best oral hygiene techniques, ask your dentist to show you the best way to clean your teeth.
Whether or not you’ve had root canal therapy, if you have any pain or sensitivity in your mouth, get it checked out straight away. It may not be anything serious, but it’s always best to check it out quickly. today!