Hearing that you need a root canal can make many people nervous, but the truth is that root canal therapy is a common and highly effective procedure to save a damaged or infected tooth. One of the first questions patients often ask is, “How long will the treatment take?” The answer depends on several factors, but most root canal treatments can be completed in one to two visits, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal is needed when the pulp inside a tooth—the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels—becomes inflamed or infected. This can happen due to deep decay, repeated dental work, cracks, or trauma to the tooth.
During the procedure, your dentist or endodontist will:
- Numb the area with local anesthesia.
- Create a small opening in the tooth.
- Carefully remove the infected pulp.
- Clean and disinfect the root canals.
- Fill and seal the tooth to prevent future infection.
In most cases, the tooth is then restored with a crown to strengthen and protect it.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
- Single-Visit Root Canals: For straightforward cases involving front teeth with a single canal, treatment may be completed in about 60 minutes in just one appointment.
- Molars and Complex Cases: Back teeth have more roots and canals, which makes the procedure more complex. These treatments can take 90 minutes or longer and sometimes require a second visit to finish cleaning and sealing the canals.
- Multiple Visits: If the infection is severe or there is significant inflammation, your dentist may place medication inside the tooth and ask you to return in a week or two to complete the treatment.
Factors That Affect Treatment Time
- Tooth Location: Front teeth generally have one canal, while molars can have three or more, making them more time-consuming.
- Severity of Infection: A badly infected or abscessed tooth may require extra cleaning and medication, extending treatment time.
- Complex Tooth Anatomy: Curved or narrow canals can be more difficult to treat and may require additional time.
- Dentist’s Recommendation: Some providers prefer to complete the procedure in one visit, while others may split it into two for thoroughness and patient comfort.
What to Expect After Treatment
Following a root canal, mild soreness or sensitivity is common for a few days, especially when chewing. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually help. A follow-up appointment is often needed to place a permanent crown, which protects the tooth and restores full function.
So, how long does root canal treatment take? In most cases, you can expect one to two appointments lasting about an hour to an hour and a half each. While the idea of a root canal may seem intimidating, modern techniques make the process efficient and comfortable. Most importantly, a root canal allows you to save your natural tooth and avoid the need for extraction or replacement.
About the Author
Dr. Nicholas Brong has more than a decade of experience practicing dentistry. He is a graduate of the University of California, San Francisco and, among numerous specialized training, completed an externship that involved providing examinations, restorations, extractions, and emergency care on both adult and pediatric patients. Today, Dr. Brong stays current in the dental field through memberships in the American Dental Association, the Minnesota Dental Association, and SPEAR Education. If you’re in pain and in need of a root canal, don’t delay treatment – schedule an appointment online with us now or call our Rochester office at (507) 288-1066.
