root canal treatment

[Amanda8]

Is it normal for root canal to take 5 visits to the dentist? Ive spoken to friends who have had the treatment and it hasnt taken so many appointments. Its NHS treatment so its not like they are going to make any more money from me.

[Ethel]

Root canal treatment can be very tricky. Ask your dentist to explain your treatment plan.

[ulysses100]

No, it isn't normal to take so many visits --- but you ought to be grateful that your dentist is spending the time to make sure that the tooth will be OK in the end, and hope that the whole procedure is successful. It depends upon which tooth is being treated -- if it is a molar, it may have up to four canals to find, clean and file them out to the correct length, and to make sure that they are clean and infection free before inserting the root canal fillings themselves.

[Amanda8]

I dont think its because hes doing a great job. I get booked in for 30 minute appointments but then he only spends 15 minutes on my appointment - i think this is why its taking so long. If hes running late he cuts my appointment time down which means something that should have only taken 3 appointments has taken 5 and its still not finished yet. I think im going to speak to him about on my next visit.

[lilacben]

At our dentist he makes an hour long appointment to do all the work on the tooth and then another to make the tooth then a last one for the fitting.

[angel-cake]

What is he doing each time you go?

When i had root canal the following happened:

1. Initial check up and x-ray
2. Root canal done and temp filling fitted
3. Permanent crown fitted

My 2nd appt did take nearly 90 mins because he couldnt find the root properly!

[taichiperson]

I wish I'd gone to the dentist earlier - have ended up with an emergency extraction. It took a lot to get out, the root was prob OK!! Have wopping great hole in my gum, ouch!

[MrXLA]

Its not normal, however as some of the above have stated it can be very tricky and there is no way of knowing exactly how difficult until it is attempted.
Given the length of time taken, your dentist is probably carrying out the treatment for free or even at personal expense, so I wouldn't grumble too much about it (private endodontist fee circa �600 for a molar tooth).
With regards to running behind nobody likes it (least of all the dentist) however since the government has introduced a target driven system and there are large numbers of patients per NHS dentist, you either accept that he/she will run behind or go private (and pray that the dentist doesn't realise that he/she could see a third of the patients, do higher quality and safer work and earn exactly the same).