How Long Does a Root Canal Take? And Its Common Causes

Root canals are one of the most common general dentistry procedures and can be very helpful in relieving pain and restoring oral health. However, many patients are curious about root canal causes, the length of time a root canal takes, and other related factors.

What is a Root Canal?

A root canal is a procedure performed by a dentist to treat damaged or infected teeth. During the root canal treatment in Bonney Lake, the dentist removes the root and pulp of the tooth and fills it with a special material. This material helps to strengthen the tooth and prevent further decay or infection.

A dentist recommends root canal treatment when the root of a tooth has become infected. This can occur due to decay, trauma, or other oral health issues. Kids as young as seven years old can require root canal therapy, but root canals are more common in adults.

Root Canal Causes

There are various causes that may lead to the need for a root canal. In order to understand if you need a root canal or how to prevent root canals, it’s important to understand these common causes.

#1 – Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is the most common among all root canal causes. If you have neglected your oral hygiene and haven’t kept up with regular dental visits, your teeth can fall victim to cavities and eventually decay. Decay leads to root canal treatment when it’s too deep or extensive.

#2 – Trauma or Injury

Trauma or injury to a tooth can also trigger root canal treatment. If you have suffered an accident that has caused a crack or chip in your tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary to prevent further damage and infection. Aside from a root canal, you may need other additional treatments and restorative work for the damaged tooth.

#3 – Recurrent Dental Procedures

Having multiple dental procedures on the same tooth can cause root canal treatment if the pulp and root of the tooth become inflamed or infected. Having root canal treatment done can help to improve the health of a tooth that has gone through multiple dental procedures and save it from more damage and infection.

#4 – Large Fillings

Having large fillings on a tooth can also cause root canal treatment to be necessary. For instance, if you have had a root canal before and the filling is too large, root canal treatment may be necessary to reduce the risk of infection.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

The root canal procedure typically takes between one and three visits. The first visit usually involves a thorough examination of the tooth. This is followed by root canal treatment if deemed necessary. During the procedure, the dentist will clear out infected tissue and fill the root of the tooth with a filling material. The root canal is then sealed, and the tooth is restored with a crown or other type of restoration.

The root canal procedure usually takes about one to two hours. It can still take longer depending on the complexity of the root canal and other factors. These factors include the severity of the infection, the number of root canals needed, and the overall condition of the tooth.

Root canal treatment is a safe and effective way to restore oral health and prevent further damage. If you have root canal causes such as tooth decay, trauma or injury, recurrent dental procedures, or large fillings, root canal treatment may be necessary. The root canal procedure usually takes between one and three visits, with each visit lasting up to two hours.

Root Canal vs. Extraction

If root canal treatment is not done, the tooth may need to be extracted. Extraction of the affected tooth should be the last resort. It cannot be reversed, and the gap may need to be filled with a bridge or implant.

Root canal treatment is often recommended over extraction as it helps to restore the root of the tooth.  It also prevents further infection and improves overall oral health. Root canal treatment can help to preserve the natural tooth and the surrounding teeth as well, which can improve the look of your smile.

Consult a Trusted Dentist in Bonney Lake, WA

Undergoing a safe and efficient root canal treatment is important for your oral health. To ensure that you get the best possible results, it’s essential to consult a trusted dentist in Bonney Lake, WA.

Dentistry at Bonney Lake offers root canal therapy with excellent results, along with all other general, cosmetic, and restorative procedures. Our dentists are highly experienced in performing root canals safely and effectively. We’ll also provide you with the best dental plan to help you maintain optimal oral health.

Contact us today to find out more about root canal treatment and our other services. You can also book a consultation to receive a comprehensive dental exam and discover the best treatment options for your dental needs. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile!