How long does it take to extract a root canal tooth

Are you suffering from throbbing pain, and your dentist has suggested you have a root canal treatment? Do you have worries about the procedure? We understand - root canal procedures can cause worry to some people as it is an invasive procedure that might involve extracting the infected tooth. But don’t be worried; we will help you by walking you through every step. At PS Dental, our root canal specialists use the latest dental equipment and state-of-the-art technology to achieve maximum precision in root canal procedures.

What is a root canal treatment?

Decay can cause bacteria to eat away and weaken the tooth enamel, thus reducing the protection between the tooth nerves and the outside world. Untreated, advanced decay can affect the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue of the teeth leading to an infection. When the infection invades the pulp and tooth root, a root canal treatment would be necessary to eliminate the infection and prevent tooth loss and other consequences.

Root canal therapy is a safe and effective procedure to eliminate dental infection and maintain the quality of the teeth. 

When do we need a root canal infection?

You may be suffering from a root canal infection if you have the following symptoms:

• Persistent toothache
• Pain while chewing or biting
• Increased tooth sensitivity 
• Bad breath
• Swelling of lymph nodes or face
• High fever

Though all these symptoms may indicate a root canal infection, only your root canal specialist can identify your needs and schedule your treatment. 

How does root canal treatment work? 

Root canal treatments are recommended by dentists only when no other treatments can save an infected tooth. When the dental pulp or the soft tissue in the center of a tooth becomes infected, a root canal treatment would be necessary. During the treatment, your dentist begins by administering sedation to numb the mouth. Once the sedation takes effect, the dentist creates an opening in the top of the tooth, eliminates the infected pulp, and dries the inside of the tooth. Later, the area is filled with a biocompatible substance before closing the hole. The dentist places a dental crown or a permanent filling to protect the tooth a few weeks later.

What factors affect the length of the root canal procedure?

Root canal treatment generally requires between 30 and 90 minutes and can be performed in a single visit. The different variables that can affect the duration of a root canal treatment include the following: 

• The severity of the root canal infection
• The location of the affected tooth within the mouth 
• Whether the tooth needs a permanent filling or a crown later

How long does it need to recover from a root canal?

In most cases, patients require only a few days to recover from a root canal procedure. After the procedure, the patient may feel some irritation or soreness for the first 24 to 48 hours. To manage this pain and soreness, your dentist will prescribe over-the-counter pain medication. Besides, applying a cold compress can also help address these issues and assist in smooth and speedy recovery. Even during the recovery period, do not skip your daily oral hygiene practices involving brushing and daily flossing. Do not apply much pressure or chew with the treated tooth until the dental crown or filling is placed.

Extracting a damaged tooth is typically a last resort, but may be required if a tooth is causing you serious pain and cannot be treated with a root canal or a similar restorative procedure. The extraction process is quick and virtually painless with localized anesthetic. At Dodds Dental, Dr. Emily and Dr. Dustin take a caring, patient-focused approach to extractions. Your comfort is our top priority, so you can trust us to provide top-notch care throughout your entire procedure.

Basic tooth extractions are very simple. First, sedation will be administered, if you opt to be sedated during the procedure. Then, the extraction site is cleaned and numbed. Next, Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin will use a special tool called an “elevator” to loosen the tooth in its socket. Once the tooth has been loosened, it is taken out by the root. Next, the area is cleaned and disinfected and finally sutured shut. It usually takes only about 5 minutes for each tooth to be extracted. Recovery typically only takes a day or two, and we’ll provide you with prescription pain medication to help minimize your discomfort during the healing process.

The most common reason that you may need a tooth removed is that your wisdom teeth are not growing in properly. Because wisdom teeth come in during the late teens and early twenties, our mouths often do not have room for them to erupt properly, which can cause a number of issues such as tooth and jaw pain, and bite issues. A tooth may also need to be extracted if it’s been damaged or root canal treatment has failed. Extractions can also be necessary to prepare for a dental implant or the application of a full arch of dentures.

Not everyone needs to have their wisdom teeth removed. In some cases, there may be enough room in your mouth for them to grow in properly. However, because improperly-erupting wisdom teeth can cause serious damage to your teeth, it’s best to consult with an experienced dentist like Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin. Call us today to schedule a consultation.

Our team, led by Dr. Dustin and Dr. Emily, specializes in informative, caring dentistry. If you’re worried about a tooth extraction in Long Beach and are looking for a friendly office that will help you relax, we can help! Contact us now at (562) 439-0754 for your appointment, or come to our office at 5580 E 2nd Street, Suite 202, Long Beach, CA 90803 if you’re in the neighborhood.

You can expect to spend a total of about 20-40 minutes in the dentist’s chair if you’re having just one tooth extracted. If you’re having multiple teeth extracted, you may need to spend 1-2 hours in the dentist’s chair.
The procedure will take a longer time if one of your teeth has not fully erupted, which would require a surgical extraction. Before your appointment at Dodds Dental, Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin will let you know how much time you can expect to spend in the dentist’s chair, so you can plan accordingly.

During the extraction process, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort because we’ll numb your mouth near the treatment area. In addition, you can be sedated to ensure you don’t feel any pain during the process.

Unfortunately, you will likely feel some pain and discomfort after your tooth extraction. Dr. Emily or Dr. Dustin may provide you with a prescription for pain medication, which you should fill and take immediately, according to their instructions.

It’s normal to feel some pain and discomfort for up to 24 hours after your tooth is pulled. You may also notice swelling, bruising and bleeding near the extraction site during this time. After 24 hours, you should feel much less pain and discomfort.

Is it easy to extract a root canal tooth?

Does extracting a root canal tooth hurt?

How long does it take to get a root canal removed?

Should I get my root canal tooth pulled?