EXPERT
Michael A. Conrad
Dentist
- Wescosville, Pennsylvania
- Temple University Dental School
- Accepting new patients
Acid Attack and the Reality of Tooth Decay
Teeth have one great weakness: acid. It eats away tooth structure. Where does acid come from? Our diets. Acidic foods and drinks directly affect and dissolve tooth enamel....
Is the zirconia bridge long-lasting?
Can you fix gum recession with surgery?
How can I brush my teeth with implants?
Can crowns cause sensitivity?
Can you fix the misaligned jaw?
Can you chew gum with implants?
How can I fix jaw pain from dentures?
How long after the implant will I get a crown?
What are the benefits of implant-supported dentures?
Can you replace all molar teeth with implants?
What happens to a tooth after a root canal?
What kind of anesthesia is used for a root canal?
Can you eat with a partial denture?
Do removable partial dentures hurt?
How should I clean my dentures?
Is a root canal procedure safe?
Can I take antibiotics for a gum infection?
Can you stop throbbing pain after a root canal?
Can you eat solid foods with partial dentures?
How long does a root canal procedure take on a molar tooth?
It depends on the location in the mouth. Is it an upper or lower tooth? Lower molars generally have 3-4 canals and upper molars can have 4-5 canals. But every tooth is different, and not all fall into the category of usual and "normal". Some have more canals and some have fewer.
If it is a second molar and farther back, it is more difficult and time-consuming because of the limited access.
If it's a tooth that has had a lot of work done to it over many years, there may be calcification in the canals that takes longer to get past to complete the care.
Think of root canal treatment as a very long filling appointment. Finding the openings to the canals can be like trying to thread a very tiny needle upside down in a mirror. It is very delicate and precise work- and can't be rushed.
If it's a badly infected tooth, it may need more than one visit because the infection must be controlled before we can complete the root canal. Sometimes that even makes it difficult to numb the tooth, requiring multiple visits.
Generally, molar root canal treatment, if "normal", takes about 90 minutes.
Good luck!
Dr. Conrad