I’m in need of extensive dental work including a tooth that needs shortening and whitening, 7 root canals, and 3 cavities. I’m trying to avoid making several appointments with my dentist. Can you tell me how much work can be done in one visit?
Jake from Carson City
Jake,
Each dentist is different regarding how much work they’re willing to do in one sitting. You’ll need to ask your dentist what he or she is willing to do for you.
Dentists that provide sedation dentistry are often the ones willing to do more work in one sitting. Check with your dentist to see if sedation is available, and if not, then you’ll need to find another general dentist or cosmetic dentist that offers it.
If you want to remain with your current dentist, then the amount of work depends on how long you can withstand the visit. It is possible to sit through a four-hour appointment if you feel at ease with dentistry. A lot can be done in this amount of time if your dentist is capable of working fast.
Providing there are no complications with your front tooth, your dentist should be able to do the tooth whitening and shortening.
Your dentist should be able to complete your seven root canal treatments in one sitting as long as they are on your front teeth. If you require root canal treatments on your molars, and you prefer minimal appointments, then you could go to an endodontist. Endodontists are root canal specialists with the ability to perform a molar root canal in one hour, while a general dentist can take up to two hours per molar.
