How Many Root Canal Procedures Can be Done on a Single Tooth?

Dec 21, 2022

Wondering if you can get a root canal on the same tooth, more than once? Read on for that answer, plus a lot of other popular questions we are asked by our patients.

How Many Times Can I Get A Root Canal On The Same Tooth?

While you can certainly get a root canal on the same tooth more than once, but it’s definitely not common – nor do we recommend it! A root canal procedure is performed to remove infected or damaged tissue from inside the root of a tooth. 

The goal of the procedure is to save the tooth and prevent the need for extraction. If the root canal is successful, the tooth should be able to function normally for many years. 

However, if the infection or damage to the tooth is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted. In some cases, a root canal procedure may not be successful and the infection may return, requiring additional treatment.

If this happens, it may be necessary to perform another root canal procedure on the same tooth. 

The number of times a root canal can be performed on the same tooth will depend on the specific circumstances and the condition of the tooth.

Do Root Canals Hurt?

Root canal procedures at 19th Ave Dental Care are usually  done with local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. This means that you should not feel any pain during the procedure. 

You may feel pressure as our gentle, skilled dentist works, but it should not be painful. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness or discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication. 

The amount of pain or discomfort you experience after a root canal will depend on the severity of the infection or damage to the tooth, as well as your own pain tolerance. 

Most people find that their discomfort is minimal and again, an over the counter Tylenol or the like is all you’ll need to alleviate the pain.

If you have any concerns about pain or discomfort during or after a root canal procedure, please let us know at any time. Not only will we be happy to help, but it’s scientifically proven that when you are a better informed patient, you’ll have a better outcome too.

How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

The length of a root canal procedure will depend on the specific circumstances and the condition of the tooth. In general, a root canal procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to complete. 

The procedure may take longer if the tooth is severely infected or damaged, or if it has multiple roots that need to be treated. We always recommend coming in for a checkup to receive a full consultation with one of our gentle dentists, at which time we’ll be able to give you a proper time estimate for your procedure. 

How Long Does It Take to Recover From a Root Canal? 

Most people are able to return to their normal activities right after a root canal procedure at 19th Ave Dental Care. And if you have any soreness or discomfort – normal for a few days after the procedure – over the counter medication will do the trick. 

Can a Root Canal Be Done on a Front Tooth?

Yes, a root canal can be done on a front tooth. In fact, one of the most common areas that we do root canals are on front teeth, as well as molars and premolars (the teeth just to the side of the front teeth).

How Much Does A Root Canal In Phoenix Cost?

The cost of a root canal procedure can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the tooth, the complexity of the procedure, and your dental insurance coverage. In general, a root canal procedure on a front tooth (such as an incisor or canine) will be less expensive than a root canal on a molar or premolar. A root canal on a molar or premolar may also be more expensive if the tooth has multiple roots or if the infection or damage is severe.

According to an ADA survey, the average cost of a root canal procedure in the United States is $1,111. However, the cost can range from $300 to $2,500 or more, depending on the specific circumstances and the location of the tooth. Some dental insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost of a root canal, depending on the specific terms of the plan. It is a good idea to check with your Phoenix root canal dentist, 19th Ave Dental Care, to see what coverage we have available for root canal procedures.

The cost of a root canal procedure is actually generally less than the cost of extracting the tooth and replacing it with a bridge or implant. That’s why, In many cases, we will advise a root canal procedure and save the tooth rather than to extract it and replace it. However, every case is different, so please check with us and we’ll be happy to explain the best route in your situation.

Can a Root Canal Procedure Be Done on a Tooth That Has a Crown?

Absolutely – if you have a crown and you need a root canal on that tooth, you’re still able to get the root canal done.

If a tooth that has a crown becomes infected or damaged, a root canal procedure may be necessary to remove the infected or damaged tissue from inside the root of the tooth. The crown will need to be removed during the root canal procedure and then replaced after the root canal is complete.

During a root canal procedure on a tooth with a crown, your 19th Ave dentist will numb the area and make a small hole in the crown to access the inside of the tooth. We will then remove the infected or damaged tissue from inside the root of the tooth and clean and shape the root canals. Once the root canals have been properly cleaned and shaped, the dentist will fill the root canals with a special material called gutta-percha and seal the hole in the crown. The crown will then be replaced on the tooth to protect it and restore its function.

It is important to note that a root canal procedure on a tooth with a crown may be more complex than a root canal on a tooth without a crown. This is because the crown will need to be removed and replaced during the procedure, which can add additional time and complexity to the procedure. 

However, with proper care and maintenance, the tooth should be able to function normally after the root canal procedure is complete.

Don’t be too afraid of the root canal devil – we’ve already taken that devil down. Be sure to give us a call or book an appointment, we’ll be happy to discuss your root canal procedure with you.