1. Initial consultation and diagnosis: This usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. During this appointment, your dentist will assess your tooth, take X-rays, and determine if root canal treatment is necessary.
2. First appointment (pulpectomy): The first root canal treatment session typically lasts between 30 minutes to 90 minutes. During this appointment, the dentist will:
- Administer local anesthesia to numb the area.
- Create an access hole in the tooth to reach the pulp chamber.
- Remove the pulp (nerve and blood vessels) from the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Cleanse the root canals to eliminate bacteria and debris.
- Sometimes, a temporary filling may be placed to protect the tooth between appointments.
3. Second and subsequent appointments (cleaning, shaping, and filling the root canals): Depending on the complexity of the case, multiple additional appointments may be needed. These sessions usually last around 30 minutes to 60 minutes each. During these appointments, the dentist will:
- Continue to clean, shape, and disinfect the root canals to remove bacteria and ensure proper disinfection.
- Fill the root canals with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent future infection.
4. Final restoration: Once the root canals are filled, a final restoration is usually placed to restore the tooth's functionality and aesthetics. This could be a dental crown, a filling, or other appropriate restoration. This step can be completed in one appointment or may require additional time if lab work is needed (e.g., for a dental crown).
It's worth noting that the duration of each appointment can vary depending on factors such as the tooth's location, the number of roots involved, and the patient's individual response to the treatment. Your dentist will provide you with a more specific timeline based on your specific case and treatment plan.
