Root canal treatment is one of the more common procedures performed in general dentistry, and in many cases it can preserve a tooth that is infected or otherwise compromised. If a dentist has suggested a root canal for you, you may be wondering just how much time you have before the treatment needs to happen. Here is what patients typically should know.
What Does a Root Canal Involve?
A root canal is a treatment that addresses problems from inside the tooth, and the procedure takes its name from the area it targets. The root canal itself refers to the inner chamber of the tooth, an area that starts at the base of the crown and continues down into the root. Inside this space sits the dental pulp, a soft tissue made up of nerves and blood vessels.
To perform the treatment, a small opening is created in the crown of the tooth so the root canal can be reached. The dental pulp is then removed, and the canal is cleaned out and disinfected thoroughly. Once that step is complete, the canal is filled with a material designed to resist future infection, and a crown is typically placed over the tooth for added protection.
When Might a Root Canal Be Necessary?
A number of situations can make a root canal the best option for saving a tooth, including the following:
- Infected tooth. When bacteria reach the root canal, the dental pulp can become infected, which puts the tooth at risk of lasting harm.
- Deep cavity. A cavity that extends deep enough to reach the dentin (the softer layer under the enamel) or the root canal can leave a tooth highly vulnerable to infection.
- Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth may need root canal treatment so bacteria are not able to work their way inside.
- Broken tooth. A tooth that has chipped or broken may require a root canal when a large portion of the tooth structure is gone.
- Damaged tooth. A tooth that has taken an impact can sustain internal damage that calls for a root canal.
- A knocked out tooth. A tooth knocked loose from its socket can frequently be repositioned, though a root canal may still be required afterward.
Should Root Canal Treatment Be Delayed?
In most cases, addressing a root canal as soon as reasonably possible supports better outcomes for your dental health. Getting treatment promptly can offer several advantages, such as the following.
- Avoiding pain. Completing a root canal before a tooth becomes fully infected can help you avoid significant discomfort down the line.
- Relief from pain. A root canal can ease pain caused by an infected tooth by resolving the infection and removing the affected nerve tissue.
- Saving the tooth. When treatment takes place at the right time, there is often a strong chance the natural tooth can be preserved.
- Limiting the spread of infection. A tooth infection that is left untreated can spread to nearby teeth and tissue, and it may eventually reach the bloodstream.
Common Questions About Root Canal Treatment
Is the procedure painful?
Local anesthesia is typically used throughout a root canal so that pain is minimized. Patients who feel nervous or anxious about dental treatment can also ask about sedation options to help them stay relaxed.
What is the typical length of a root canal appointment?
A root canal can typically take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes to complete. A more straightforward procedure on a smaller tooth tends to fall closer to 30 minutes, while a more involved procedure on a larger tooth may run closer to 90 minutes.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have a tooth that is causing pain or shows significant damage or discoloration, it is best not to put off treatment. Call The Smile Architects today at 704-875-1621 or contact us to schedule an appointment.