Root canal treatment is a common dental procedure that has an important place in dental health. In cases where the dental pulp has been damaged by decay or trauma, root canal treatment is necessary to save the tooth. This treatment removes infected or dead tissue and makes the tooth functional again. So, how long does root canal treatment take and how many sessions does it take to complete?
Root Canal Treatment Duration
The duration of a root canal treatment can vary depending on the condition of the tooth and the difficulty of the treatment. Usually a root canal treatment consists of the following stages:
Examination and Diagnosis:
The dentist assesses the condition of the tooth with X-rays and physical examination.
He determines the spread of infection and the structure of the root canals.
Anesthesia and Cleaning:
The tooth and surrounding tissues are numbed by applying local anesthesia.
Infected pulp and bacteria are removed from the root canal.
The canals are shaped and widened.
Filling and Sealing:
The cleaned and shaped canals are filled with special filling material.
The upper part of the tooth is closed with temporary or permanent filling.
İçindekiler
How Many Sessions Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
Root canal treatment is usually completed in one or two sessions. However, more sessions may be required depending on the condition of the tooth and the spread of the infection.
Single Session: If the infection is not very widespread and the structure of the tooth is not complex, root canal treatment can be completed in one session.
Two or more sessions: In the case of more serious infections or complex root canals, the treatment may be spread over several sessions. In this case, the dentist protects the tooth by using a temporary filling between each session.
Things to Consider After Root Canal Treatment
After root canal treatment, the tooth may be slightly sore or sensitive. This usually goes away within a few days. However, in some cases, this sensitivity and pain may last for a week or longer. The points to be considered during this period are as follows:
Use of Painkillers: You can use painkillers recommended by your doctor. Avoid blood thinners such as aspirin, as these can increase the risk of bleeding.
Dental Care: Take care not to force the treated tooth and pay attention to its hygiene. Brush your teeth with a medium-hard toothbrush and floss to keep them clean.
Nutrition: Avoid hard and sticky foods for the first few days. Prefer warm and soft foods. Foods that are too hot or too cold can increase sensitivity.
Check-ups: Follow the check-up dates specified by your doctor. Check-ups are important to monitor the success of the treatment and the healing process of the tooth.
Rest: Get enough rest to help the body’s healing process. Avoid excessive physical activity, as this can increase blood pressure and trigger pain.
Swelling and Bruising: There may be mild swelling or bruising around the gums after treatment. Applying a cold compress can relieve these symptoms. However, if the swelling does not decrease or increase within a few days, contact your dentist.
Root canal treatment, when performed correctly, can save the tooth and keep it functional for many years. The duration of treatment and the number of sessions varies depending on the condition of the tooth and the extent of the infection. Your dentist will make the most accurate guidance by determining your specific treatment plan. Teeth that do not respond to treatment despite all interventions may need to be extracted.
It is best to consult a dentist to get the most accurate information about root canal treatment and to get a personalized evaluation. You can make an appointment with our experienced dentists at our Istanbul Dentestetik Dental Polyclinic to benefit from our root canal treatment services and for more information about root canal treatment.
