A root canal is a common dental procedure. It can often save a tooth that is infected or at risk. If your dentist recommends a root canal, you may be wondering how long you can wait before having the procedure. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure that treats a tooth from the inside. The procedure is named for the part of the tooth it treats. The root canal is the inner chamber of a tooth that begins at the base of the crown and extends into the root. It contains soft tissue called dental pulp which is made up of blood vessels and nerves.
During a root canal a small hole is made in the crown of the tooth to access the root canal. The dental pulp is removed and the root canal is thoroughly flushed out and disinfected. The root canal is filled with a replacement material that is resistant to infection. Then a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it from further damage.
Why Do I Need a Root Canal?
A root canal may be necessary to save a tooth in any of the following situations:
- Infected tooth. If bacteria enters the root canal it can infect the dental pulp, putting the tooth at risk of permanent damage.
- Deep cavity. A large or deep cavity in a tooth that reaches the dentin (the soft layer beneath the enamel) or the root canal puts the tooth at a high risk of infection.
- Cracked tooth. A cracked tooth should be treated with a root canal to prevent bacteria from entering the tooth.
- Broken tooth. A tooth that is chipped or broken may need a root canal if a significant portion of the tooth is missing.
- Damaged tooth. A tooth that has been bumped may have internal damage and need a root canal.
- A knocked out tooth. A tooth that is knocked out of the socket can often be put back in place, but a root canal may still be needed.
Can a Root Canal Wait?
It is usually in the best interest of your dental health to get a root canal taken care of as soon as possible. Benefits of prompt treatment include:
- Avoid pain. By getting a root canal performed before the tooth becomes infected you can spare yourself some severe discomfort.
- Pain relief. A root canal relieves pain from an infected tooth by treating the infection and removing the nerves from the tooth.
- Save the tooth. When a root canal is performed at the right time there is a good chance that the natural tooth can be saved.
- Prevent the spread of infection. An infected tooth that goes untreated can spread to the neighboring teeth and tissues, and may eventually enter your bloodstream.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
Does a root canal hurt?
Local anesthesia is used for a root canal to prevent any pain. If you are nervous or anxious about receiving dental treatment, sedation is available to help you relax.
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal may take anywhere from 30-90 minutes. A simple root canal in a smaller tooth may take closer to 30 minutes and a more complex procedure on a larger tooth may take closer to 90 minutes.
Don’t Wait–Schedule Your Procedure Today
If you have a tooth that hurts or has significant damage or discoloration, don’t wait to seek treatment. Call The Smile Architects today at 704-875-1621 or contact us to schedule an appointment.