The number of visits and the time needed for root canal treatment depend on each tooth and how inflamed or infected it is. Knowing the steps helps you feel less worried when treatment is needed.
- The number of visits and time needed depend on the number of roots, how infected the tooth is and the shape of its canals.
- Many teeth are finished in one to two visits, an infected tooth may need one more, and each visit lasts from half an hour to a little over an hour.
- The tooth is numbed so there is usually no pain during the work, with mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards.
- A tooth after root canal treatment is more brittle and usually needs a large filling or a crown to prevent cracking.
Many people hear that a root canal takes a month of visits and put off going to the dentist. In fact the number of visits and the time needed depend on each tooth. This article explains the steps and why some teeth are finished in one visit while others need more.
What steps does root canal treatment involve?
- Examination and an X-ray to see the shape of the roots, how inflamed the tooth is and the area around the root.
- Local anesthetic so you do not feel pain during the work.
- Opening the pulp chamber and removing the inflamed or dead pulp.
- Cleaning and shaping the canals to remove bacteria.
- Filling the canals so bacteria cannot return.
- Restoring the tooth with a filling or a porcelain crown.
How many visits does it take and how long is each one?
There is no fixed number for every tooth. The time depends on:
- The number of roots: front teeth usually have one canal, while molars can have three or four.
- How infected the tooth is: a tooth with an abscess often needs more thorough cleaning.
- The shape of the canals: curved or narrow canals take longer.
Many teeth can be finished in one to two visits, and an infected tooth may need one more visit to clean it before the canals are filled. Each visit usually lasts from half an hour to a little over an hour. The dentist will explain the plan after examining you and taking an X-ray.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
The tooth is numbed, so you usually feel no pain during the work. Afterwards it may be slightly sensitive for a few days and then settle. See is root canal treatment as scary as people say.
What should I watch after root canal treatment?
- A tooth after root canal treatment is often more brittle, so it usually needs a large filling or a crown to prevent cracking. See what to do about a cracked, chipped or broken tooth.
- Avoid chewing hard food on that side until the tooth is restored.
- Brush and floss as normal.
- Return if pain increases, or if there is swelling or pus.
You can also read how to tell if decay has reached the pulp to get seen earlier.
Root canal treatment at Ky Hoa
For health insurance coverage and costs, see root canal treatment with health insurance and the price page.
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during working hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 (Zalo 082.299.3377) to ask about quieter hours first.
Frequently asked questions
Can root canal treatment be finished in one visit?
Some teeth, especially those with fewer roots and no infection, can be finished in one visit. Teeth with many roots or an infection often need one more visit, and the dentist will explain after the examination.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
A tooth after root canal treatment is often more brittle, so many cases need a large filling or a crown for protection. The choice depends on how much of the tooth remains.
Is it normal for the tooth to stay sensitive after treatment?
Mild sensitivity for a few days is common and fades. If pain increases or there is swelling or pus, return for a check.
Can a tooth that has had a root canal decay again?
The crown of the tooth can still decay if it is not cleaned well or a filling leaks. Correct brushing and a check-up every six months help catch it early.