How long can I wait for my second step of root canal treatment?

Question

Hi doctor,

I recently had an extirpation of pulp as an emergency on one of my teeth. On my treatment plan, it says my next phase to be done is root canal preparation. How long can I wait to get that done? If I wait any longer, will I lose the tooth? It has been roughly six weeks now since the emergency extirpation of the pulp.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Routinely, the root canal treatment has three steps in total. First, it is pulp extirpation then it is root canal preparation and the last is root canal filling. Since you have mentioned that pulp removal was done under emergency, there are more chances of remnants of pulp along with bugs being left behind in the roots inside. In your first visit, most of the pulp and pus should have been removed, and that is why you had no pain until now. The maximum time usually allowed to start up root canal preparation is four weeks, but it does not mean that you will lose the tooth waiting long.

However, it is best when the treatment is finished in a short time frame unless it is medicated in the case of severe infections. There are high chances of root canal treatment teeth when left untreated to get broken down because of no strength and no proper protection such as a cap. Hence, I advise you to get your next appointment as soon as possible and go ahead with the treatment plan.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.