How Long Does A Root Canal Take?

If you’re dealing with a painful tooth, chances are your dentist has mentioned a root canal as a possible solution. You might be wondering, “How long does a root canal take?” In this blog, I’ll explain everything you need to know about the process, what to expect, and how much time you’ll spend in the dental chair. 

Understanding What A Root Canal Is

Before we dive into how long a root canal takes, let’s go over what a root canal is. Your teeth are made up of several layers. On the outside, there’s the enamel—the hard, white part you can see. Underneath the enamel is the dentin, and deep inside is the soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that help the tooth grow when the teeth are developing as a child. 

Sometimes, due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma to the tooth, the pulp can become infected or inflamed. When this happens, a root canal is needed to save the tooth. During a root canal, the infected or inflamed pulp is removed, the inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected, and the tooth is then sealed to prevent future infection.

So, How Long Does It Take?

The time a root canal takes can vary depending on a few factors. On average, a standard root canal takes about 60 to 90 minutes to complete. However, more complicated cases, such as calcified molars or retreats of root canals, can take a bit longer. In some cases, you may even need to return for a second appointment.

Factors That Can Affect The Time

There are a few factors that can influence how long your root canal will take:

1.The tooth being treated: Front teeth, like incisors and canines, usually have one root, which makes them easier to treat. These root canals typically take less time—about 45 minutes to an hour. Molars in the back of your mouth, however, have more roots (usually three or more). Treating these teeth is more complex and can take longer or require more than one visit.

2.The level of infection or damage: If the infection is severe or the tooth is badly damaged, the root canal may take longer. The dentist will need to take extra time to ensure all the infected tissue is removed and that the tooth is properly cleaned before sealing it.

3. Retreatment cases: If you’ve already had a root canal on the same tooth and it didn’t heal properly, you might need retreatment. Retreatment usually takes longer than a first-time root canal because the dentist needs to remove the old filling material before cleaning and resealing the tooth.

4. Sedation options: Some people feel very anxious about having dental work done. If you choose to have sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or IV sedation, this can add a bit of time to the procedure, as it takes time for the sedation to take effect and wear off afterward.

What Happens During A Root Canal?

To give you a better idea of how long the process takes, let’s break down the different steps involved in a root canal:

1. Numbing the area: First, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic to numb the area around the affected tooth. This is the same type of anesthetic used for other dental procedures, like fillings, so you won’t feel any pain during the root canal. This step usually takes a few minutes.

2. Creating an access point: Once the area is numb, the dentist will create a small opening in the top of your tooth to access the pulp chamber. This also takes a few minutes.

3. Cleaning and shaping the canals: The dentist will then carefully remove the infected or inflamed pulp from inside the tooth. They’ll use small, specialized tools to clean and shape the root canals. This step takes the most time—about 30 to 60 minutes—depending on how many canals your tooth has.

4. Filling the canals: After the canals are cleaned and shaped, the dentist will fill them with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha. This material helps seal the canals to prevent further infection. This part of the process usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

5. Sealing the tooth: Finally, the dentist will seal the access point with a temporary or permanent filling. If the tooth needs a crown (which is often the case), the temporary filling will protect the tooth until your permanent crown is ready. This step takes about 10 to 20 minutes.

Will I Need A Follow-up Appointment?

In some cases, a second appointment may be needed to complete the root canal. This is more common with molars or if the infection is severe. If your general dentist needs to place a crown on your tooth after the root canal, this will require a separate appointment as well. It’s also important to follow up with your dentist to make sure the tooth is healing properly.

How To Prepare For A Root Canal

If you have an upcoming root canal, here are a few tips to help you prepare:

• Get a good night’s sleep before your appointment. Being well-rested can help you feel more relaxed.
• Eat a meal before your appointment, as your mouth may be numb for a few hours afterward, and it is advised not to eat right away.
• Ask about pain management. Your dentist will likely recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Advil or Tylenol, to help with any discomfort after the procedure. Be sure to follow their instructions on when and how much to take.
• Plan for downtime. You can usually return to normal activities the same day, it’s a good idea to take it easy for the rest of the day after your root canal.

What to expect after a root canal

After your root canal, it’s normal to experience some mild discomfort or sensitivity in the area for a few days. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. A lot of people find that any pain they had before the root canal goes away almost immediately after the procedure.

Your dentist will recommend avoiding hard or chewy foods for a few days, especially if you have a temporary filling or crown. Be sure to brush and floss regularly to keep the area clean, but be gentle around the treated tooth.

If you experience severe pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms after your root canal, be sure to contact your dentist right away. These could be signs of infection or other complications that need to be addressed.

Wrapping up

So, how long does a root canal take? In most cases, you can expect to spend about 60 to 90 minutes in the dental chair for a standard root canal. More complex cases, especially on back teeth or teeth with multiple roots, may take a bit longer — and sometimes a second appointment may be necessary.

The good news is that a root canal can save your tooth and relieve the pain caused by infection. And thanks to modern dental techniques, root canals are quicker and more comfortable than ever before. If you’re concerned about how long your root canal will take, be sure to talk with your dentist. They can give you a better idea based on your specific case.

At the end of the day, the time spent in the dental chair is worth it for a healthy, pain-free smile!