How Many Visits Are Required for Complete Root Canal Treatment?

How Many Visits Are Required for Complete Root Canal Treatment?

Dec 24, 2022

While your tooth enamel is very hard and strong, sometimes it can get damaged, especially when exposed to extreme pressure or environments. When the tooth enamel is compromised, it exposes the softer inner structures of the tooth, such as the dentin and pulp.

If not treated promptly, bacteria can enter the tooth’s pulp, infecting the tooth’s blood vessels, nerves, and other connective tissues. It can cause significant symptoms like tooth discoloration, pain, swelling, and abscess around the tooth.

The infection gradually eats up more of the tooth’s structure, eventually leading to tooth loss. It can also spread to surrounding teeth, gums, jawbone, connective tissues, and other body parts like the brain and heart, causing severe and long-term complications.

Why Root Canal Therapy is Necessary

When your tooth is infected, you can stop the infection and save your tooth with root canal therapy. A root canal is an endodontic treatment for removing infected or diseased tissues from a tooth.

Stopping the infection prevents more damage to the tooth, thereby saving your natural tooth. It also preserves the health of the surrounding structures and the entire body. A root canal also helps relieve the discomfort, swelling, and other symptoms associated with tooth decay.

Do you have a painful tooth? Visit our dental office near you or contact our dentist in Somerset, NJ, for diagnosis and root canal treatment.

How Many Appointments do you need for a Root Canal?

Generally, a root canal treatment is a straightforward procedure. Most patients only require two appointments. The dentist performs the procedure while you’re under anesthesia, so you don’t have to worry about pain or discomfort. The procedure typically involves:

1st Appointment

The first meeting is when the dentist performs the actual root canal procedure of removing the infected pulp. Before cleaning the tooth, the dentist will take X-rays and other necessary treatment details. You’ll also be under anesthesia to keep you relaxed and without pain throughout the procedure.

Next, the dentist will drill through the tooth to create a small opening to access the infected pulp. Then, the dentist uses small endodontic files to remove the infected and decayed tissues.

The tooth is then cleaned, rinsed, disinfected, and sealed with a temporary material to promote healing. The dentist will give you a few aftercare tips to facilitate a speedy recovery and prevent further damage to the tooth until the dentist places a permanent restoration.

2nd Appointment

The second appointment entails placing a permanent restoration. Since a root canal involves removing the decayed parts of a tooth, it creates a hollow space and weakens the tooth significantly. It makes it vulnerable to fractures and more bacterial plaque attacks.

Therefore, permanent restoration like a dental filling, inlay or onlay, or crown is necessary to fill the hollow space, strengthen the tooth, and protect it from further infections. It restores your bite function and gives you a healthier smile.

On this appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary material and replace it with a permanent restoration. Most of these restorations last for 10 – 15 years, after which you will need a replacement.

Will I Need a Root Canal Re-treatment?

On rare occasions a patient will need a second root canal treatment. However, it can happen due to several factors. For instance, not getting a permanent restoration like a crown increases your risk of developing new infections. Similarly, a loose or damaged crown or filling can make the tooth vulnerable to new infections.

Taking good care of your tooth and mouth will minimize the risk of needing a second root canal treatment. Proper dental hygiene and habits to keep in mind include:

  • Brush thoroughly and gently at least twice daily.
  • Floss daily.
  • Use a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush.
  • Use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
  • Avoid tobacco products.
  • Avoid chewing hard items like ice, nails, and hard candy. They can cause your tooth or restoration to break or chip.
  • Notify your dentist if the treated tooth doesn’t feel right.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Do you suspect your tooth is infected? Do you need more information about root canal therapy? Contact KK Dental – Somerset for endodontics near you.

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