How Long Between Root Canal Appointments?
Tooth pain can happen at any time. Even if you look after your teeth perfectly, it’s possible to develop an infection that requires a root canal procedure.
There’s no need to stress though. A root canal might sound daunting, but it’s a common procedure with a very high success rate.
One of the most complicated parts of a root canal procedure is that it requires multiple appointments. In this article, we’ll discuss how long between root canal appointments, and how the procedure works.
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal is a dental treatment that involves removing infected “dental pulp” from inside a tooth.
Each tooth contains up to 4 canals made of dental pulp. Dental pulp consists of connective tissue, nerves and blood vessels, and it’s crucial in keeping your teeth healthy.
If dental pulp becomes infected, your dentist can perform a root canal procedure to remove the infected pulp. The interior of the tooth is then disinfected and filled, and a crown can be placed on the biting surface of the tooth.
The main benefit of a root canal procedure is that it saves the rest of the tooth. Your natural teeth work better for biting and chewing, so it’s best to avoid the need for artificial teeth wherever possible.
You may need a root canal due to:
- Tooth decay
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Cracked or broken fillings
- Gum disease
- An injury or general wear and tear to teeth
These issues can allow bacteria to enter the interior of a tooth and multiply, leading to an infection that requires a root canal procedure.
How Long Between Root Canal Appointments?
A root canal procedure takes 3-4 appointments that are scheduled 3-4 weeks apart. Each appointment lasts for around an hour.
Root canals take multiple treatments because it gives your body time to heal on its own. In between appointments, your dentist will place an antibiotic paste and a temporary filling in the affected tooth so that you are able to eat and drink as normal.
There are generally three appointment phases:
1. Initial Consultation and Assessment
You’ll need to visit your dentist for an initial consultation to confirm that a root canal is necessary. During the initial consultation, your dentist will:
- Assess the infected tooth and the gum surrounding it
- Take an x-ray of your teeth to confirm the extent of the decay
They can then book you in for your root canal appointment. A root canal can be conducted by your regular dentist using local anaesthesia. Treatment can begin immediately.
2. Treatment Phases
You may need multiple treatment appointments during a root canal procedure.
During the first appointment, your dentist will remove infected dental pulp and disinfect the interior of your tooth. They will then apply antibiotic paste and a temporary filling to protect the tooth between appointments.
At subsequent appointments, your dentist will shape the interior of your tooth before applying a permanent filling compound. Each appointment will be spaced 3-4 weeks apart to allow your tooth time to heal.
Depending on the affected tooth and the complexity of the procedure, you may need multiple treatment appointments.
Finally, your dentist will place a crown over the top of the tooth to act as a new biting surface.
3. Healing Time
It generally takes 1-2 weeks for your tooth to heal completely following your final root canal appointment. You may experience discomfort, minor swelling and tooth sensitivity during the healing process.
Pain Management During a Root Canal Procedure
An infected root canal can be painful prior to treatment and during recovery. Pain can be managed using ibuprofen or paracetamol (according to your dentist’s instructions). Your dentist may prescribe stronger painkillers where necessary.
Contact your dentist immediately if you’re in serious pain after a root canal.
Risk of Delaying Your Root Canal Appointments
Root canal procedures have a reputation for being daunting. The good news is that modern anaesthetics mean you won’t experience any pain during the procedure. And the sooner we address the problem, the less pain you’ll experience in the meantime.
Delaying your root canal appointments can increase your risk of:
- Pain and discomfort – An infected root canal can be very painful, and you’ll prolong that pain by avoiding your dentist. Delaying your appointments can also increase your discomfort in between phases of treatment.
- Infection – Root canal procedures can increase your risk of developing an infection in your teeth and gums. Your dentist will use an antibiotic paste to control the risk of infection between appointments. Delaying your appointments reduces the effectiveness of antibiotics and can cause any infection to spread.
- Tooth loss – You risk losing the affected tooth if you don’t attend your root canal appointments on time. Replacing a tooth is more complicated than a root canal, so it’s best to avoid this outcome.
Your dentist will provide all the information you need to manage your root canal appointments and care for your teeth between procedures. Following their advice will reduce pain and discomfort, and reduce your overall recovery time.
Concerned About the Condition of Your Teeth? Contact Camira Dental Today
An infected tooth is a serious concern. Infections are painful, and they can be life-threatening when left untreated. Book a consultation with Camira Dental immediately if you are experiencing tooth pain or if you are concerned about the condition of your teeth.
Camira Dental is an experienced dental clinic based in Ipswich. We provide a comprehensive range of dental services, ranging from general check ups through to root canal procedures.
We use the latest technology to make your treatment as stress and pain-free as possible. Our team understands that visiting the dentist can be daunting, so we’ll do everything we can to make you comfortable.
Contact us today to make an appointment, or speak with our team to learn more about root canal procedures and recovery times.