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Root Canals – How Many Sessions do They Take?

Root canals are required when the inner core of the tooth becomes infected, mostly due to some sort of damage, through which bacteria can enter. This causes pain and inflammation, which can also result in serious health issues. Therefore, the ill-functioning inner nerve and blood vessel network of the tooth must be removed during a root canal treatment. It is common belief that the procedure takes many painful, long sessions at the dentist, but it is simply a myth. If done precisely, a root canal treatment regularly takes only 1 to 3 sittings.

root canals
Root Canals

Root canals are usually performed when there are painful symptoms, but they can also be planned ahead. It is reasonable to remove the root when it decayed, even without causing any problems, or if the tooth needs to be filed excessively due to the treatment of one of the neighbouring teeth. In this latter case preventive root canals are performed, expecting the inner core of the tooth to be damaged. 

Root Canals – The Procedure

The first step of root canals is drilling a hole to the surface of the tooth, reaching the pulp chamber and the nerve channels branching from there. Teeth can have 1 to 3, in rare cases even 4 nerve channels. Usually no living tissue is found in there, only debris and pus. Then, the chamber and the channels are cleansed with special dental tools and solutions, treated with an antibiotic or antiseptic paste, and closed up with a temporary filling to prevent bacteria from entering the wound. 
Teeth that require root canal treatment are usually seriously infected; therefore, one sitting is only sufficient when performing preventive tooth canals. Thus, after the first cleansing session, a second or third one follows, usually performed with a one-week hiatus. During these sittings the previously placed temporary fillings are removed, cleansing and treatment is repeated, and the wound is closed up again. The material of the permanent root filling is a rubber-like substance called guttapercha, while the opening on the tooth crown is closed by conventional fillings.

Root Canals under Tooth Crowns

If required, root canals can be performed also on a tooth with a crown. It is up to the dentist if they remove the crown, or perform the procedure by drilling a hole in it. In the case of a tooth with 1 root canal only a small hole is needed for the removal of nerves and blood vessels, so it might be a good decision to keep the crown on. When having a root canal on a tooth with 2 or more root canals, a bigger opening is required for the procedure, resulting in the aesthetical damage of the crown. Therefore, it is wiser to remove the crown ahead of the procedure.

Time Scope of Root Canals

Usually the whole procedure can be performed in 3 sessions with excellent results. Concerning the length of each sitting, the first treatment, that is, the removal of nerves and blood vessels requires the most time. Due to the precision it takes, placing the permanent filling and closing up the tooth also takes a while. The time scope of the sittings depends on the number of root canals, as well: cleansing of 1 root canal can be performed in less than 30 minutes, while 2 or more canals require more time and attention. 
Thanks to modern anaesthetics, root canal treatments are practically painless, and do not require more than 3 weeks of the patient’s time. This is a small price to pay for healthy and beautiful teeth. If you are having problems with your teeth, and reckon you need tooth canal treatment, do not hesitate to book an appointment to one of our skilled dentists at Forest & Ray Dental at the heart of Budapest.

Treatments

Forest & Ray Dental Váci úti fogászat 13 kerület - Fogszabályozás

Orthodontic treatment

Professional orthodontics fix uneven teeth, even with "invisible" braces.​

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Tooth scaling

Gentle and thorough teeth scale removal treatment for your bright, healthy smile.

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Apical resection

If nothing else helps, tooth root amputation can still save your decayed tooth.

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Fix denture

Aesthetic and permanent dentures, that finally gives your confidence and comfort back.

Forest & Ray Dental Váci úti fogászat 13 kerület

Root canal treatment

A gentle, yet effective way to save even inflamed, severely decayed tooth.

Forest & Ray Dental Váci úti fogászat 13 kerület

Dental implant

Permanently stable replacement that fits your teeth perfectly using the most innovative technologies.

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Dental bone replacement

Surgical treatment to provide propriate base for implantation when in lack of bone tissue.

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Wisdom tooth extraction

Precise treatments under local anesthesia to prevent further pain and cimplication.

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Tooth whitening

Brighter teeth in a painless, effective way even at home. Get your smile shine!

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Tooth extraction

If restoration is no longer possible, tooth extraction prevents further problems.

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Tooth filling

Safe, permanent and aesthetic dental fillings to fix and prevent dental problems.

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Dental cyst removal

Tooth cyst might not be painful, but can cause serious problems. Be sure to get rid of them in time!

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Inlay, Onlay

Aesthetic and functional way to restore and protect the teeth.

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Dental veneers

An invisible and permanent solution to aesthetic problems.

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Dental crown

Ideal, permanent treatment to restore and aesthetically fix damaged teeth.

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Dental bridge

Dental treatment to replace one or more missing teeth, and restore your perfect smile.

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Fixed denture

Get rid of all the troubles and discomfort caused by your removable denture with a fixed denture.

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Sinus lift

Surgical procedure in case if there isn't sufficient bone tissue for implantation.

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Invisible braces

Ideal choice if you wish for the perfect smile, but shy away from braces.

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Children's orthodontics

Treatment of biting disorders and aesthetic problems from the age of 6.