Root canal treatment is one of the most common dental procedures, designed to save a tooth that’s severely decayed or infected. If your dentist has recommended one, you might be wondering how much time you’ll spend in the chair. The answer depends on several factors, but most root canal treatments are quicker and more comfortable than many people expect.
Typical Length of a Root Canal Appointment
In most cases, a root canal procedure can take 30 to 90 minutes. For a single-rooted tooth, such as a front tooth, the process is usually on the shorter side, often closer to 30 to 45 minutes. For molars, which have multiple roots and more complex anatomy, the treatment may take 60 to 90 minutes.
Some root canals can be completed in a single visit, while others may require two or more appointments. Your dentist or endodontist will decide the best approach based on your tooth’s condition and complexity.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The time needed for a root canal depends on each step of the process.
Numbing the Tooth
Your dentist will start by giving you local anesthesia, which only takes a few minutes but ensures you’re comfortable during the procedure.
Accessing the Pulp Chamber
A small opening is made in the tooth to reach the infected or inflamed pulp inside.
Cleaning and Shaping the Canals
Using specialized tools, your dentist removes the infected pulp tissue, disinfects the canals, and shapes them for filling. This step often takes the most time, especially for teeth with multiple canals.
Filling the Canals
Once clean, the canals are sealed with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to prevent future infection.
Temporary or Permanent Filling
If your treatment is completed in one visit, a permanent filling or crown may be placed right away. If more than one visit is needed, a temporary filling will be placed until your next appointment.
Factors That Affect Treatment Time
Several factors can influence how long your root canal takes:
- Tooth location: Front teeth have one root and are faster to treat, while molars have three or four roots that take longer to clean.
- Infection severity: If the infection is extensive, more time may be needed to clean the canals thoroughly.
- Tooth anatomy: Curved or narrow canals can be more challenging and time-consuming to treat.
- Multiple appointments: Some cases require a follow-up visit to ensure the infection has fully cleared before sealing the tooth.
After the Root Canal
After your root canal, you may need to return for a crown to restore strength and function to the tooth. The crown appointment is separate and usually takes about an hour.
Most root canal treatments are completed in about an hour or less, and the procedure is designed to relieve pain, not cause it. With modern techniques and anesthesia, it’s often no more uncomfortable than getting a filling—just a little longer. By investing that time in the chair, you’re saving your natural tooth and protecting your oral health.
About the Practice
At Patriot Dental in Pensacola, we’re happy to work with patients who need root canal therapy to save a damaged tooth. If you’re in pain, we’ll get you in soon with a same-day appointment. Anxious to see the dentist? No worries – sedation methods are available to make your experience a much more comfortable one. And with our in-house dental savings plan, we’ll lessen the burden of paying for dental work. Head on over to our website to schedule your appointment or call us at (850) 477-1120.