A root canal is a procedure used to restore the health of an infected or damaged tooth. When performed at the right time it can save a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted.
At some point in your lifetime you may need a root canal. If that time is now, you may be wondering what to expect from the procedure. Will it hurt? Here’s what you should know.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a procedure named for the part of the tooth it treats. The root canal is the innermost chamber of a tooth that begins at the base of the crown and extends into the root. Inside the root canal is a soft tissue called dental pulp that contains blood vessels and nerves. If bacteria reaches the root canal, such as through a crack or cavity, it can infect the dental pulp.
During a root canal the dental pulp is removed through a small hole made in the crown of the tooth. The root canal is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to ensure that all of the bacteria and dental pulp has been removed. A replacement material is used to fill the tooth that is resistant to infection. In most cases a crown will be placed over the tooth for protection.
Anesthesia For Root Canals
Anesthesia is used during root canal procedures for the comfort of the patient. This will typically include:
- Local anesthesia. The vast majority of root canals are performed with local anesthesia. This is used to numb the nerves in the area of the mouth that is being treated. The nerves inside the tooth and in the tissues surrounding the tooth are prevented from sending pain signals to your brain. It may take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour or so for the effects of local anesthesia to wear off.
For patients who need or would prefer some relaxation assistance due to nerves or anxiety, sedation options are available:
- Nitrous oxide. More commonly known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is a gas that you breathe in through a mask placed over your nose. It provides a calming sensation that helps you relax during the procedure. It takes effect in just a few minutes and wears off just as quickly, allowing you to drive and resume your regular daily activities immediately after your appointment.
- Conscious oral sedation. An oral sedative can be prescribed for you to take before you arrive for your appointment. It will help you feel more relaxed and possibly a little sleepy, but you will still be awake throughout the procedure. The effects of oral sedation wear off in a few hours, but may cause you to feel sleepy for the remainder of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
How long does a root canal take?
A root canal may take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the size of the tooth and the complexity of the root structure.
How long will it take to recover from a root canal?
You may need to rest for the remainder of the day after a root canal if you have conscious oral sedation. Otherwise, if you feel up to it, you can resume regular daily activities. It may be best to avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours following the procedure.
Why Choose Barkoff Dental?
At Barkoff Dental we put patient comfort at the top of our priorities. If you are feeling nervous or anxious about getting a root canal or any other dental procedure, we offer sedation options to help you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Our goal is to restore your oral health in the least invasive way possible.
To learn more, call 516-921-1133 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.