How long for RCT to fail

[Tajay]

I’ve had a deep filling in October in a lower premolar and had pain and sensitivity on and off ever since. I’ve been back to the dentist quite a few times and had x rays which I don’t have a copy off but the tooth will require root canal treatment. The earliest appointment they have is 16th December. We are going on holiday on the 28th December and my husband is concerned that if I have the root canal done that day I could potentially be having a problem on holiday with it.

Just wondering typically if it is going to fail, what is the typical timescale and will you know in the days following or is it more like weeks before you get an infection?

 

[Dr M]

How long is the holiday for? Typically after a root canal has been started, it should be fine for at least 2 weeks. We close the opening with a temporary filling, and also prescribe medication to fight any infection, if there was an abscess.

 

[Tajay]

Thanks for your reply. It’s for 5 days. The dentist is planning to do the root canal in one appointment so not sure if that makes any different to the medication/filling not being temporary.

 

[Dr M]

There might be some sensitivity after the treatment has been completed, since it sometimes takes a while for it to settle, but there should not be any severe pain, that could not be managed with mild painkillers, after the treatment has been completed.