If one is booked for a root canal treatment, one of the most obvious questions in his mind could be how long it will take to complete the procedure. While this time may vary due to several factors, having an idea about them can help make informed decisions and be prepared for it.
Factors that Impact the Length of a Root Canal Procedure
Several factors can impact how long it takes, including:
1. Number of Root Canals
This can be greatly influenced by the number of roots and canals the tooth has. For instance, it could take less time for a tooth that contains only one canal compared to the one with multiple canals.
2. Position of the Affected Tooth
A difficult-to-operate-on tooth, depending on the position, may lead to the procedure taking longer. The back teeth are less accessible, hence taking more time if located in either the right or left back side.
3. Degree of Infection
Again, the duration of the procedure will also depend on the severity of the infection or decay of the tooth. If the infection has spread deep into the canal, it may take longer to remove all the infected tissue.
Balancing Tradeoffs
While you are likely to get through the procedure as soon as possible, there are some trade-offs worth considering. Rushing the procedure runs the risk of not fully removing infected tissue, leading to complications down the line.
This may sometimes require an extended procedure to ensure infection removal. Only an experienced dentist would balance out these tradeoffs and measure up the duration of the procedure.
Challenges Associated with Different Approaches
Varying techniques in doing the procedure also cause differing durations. Some dentists, for example, prefer to do the procedure using a manual technique, while others may use a rotary instrument or laser.
While these multiple techniques bring a lot of advantages with them, they also pose some challenges. For instance, though faster, a rotary instrument may be very hot and result in much vibration, which will give a lot of discomfort to the patient.
The Importance of Considering Patient Comfort WHILE PERFORMING ROOT CANAL
This is an important factor, but the comfort of the patient also has to be taken into consideration. While a lengthier procedure does indeed make the patient more uncomfortable, sedation has to be administered to make sure that the patient is comfortable until the process is complete.
Conclusion
Still, the overall length of the procedure may differ due to several factors: the number of roots, the position of the affected tooth, or the degree of infection. It is a balancing of trade-offs, keeping in mind the comfort of the patient.
If you are booked for a root canal procedure, discuss the time required for this procedure with your dentist and express your concerns. With proper preparation and communication, you would make your root canal procedure go through as smoothly and successfully as possible.
Sources:
American Association of Endodontists: https://www.aae.org/patients/root-canal-treatment/what-is-a-root-canal/root-canal-explained/
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/root-canal/about/pac-20384631
