How Long Does a Root Canal Take?
Quick answer: how long does a root canal take?
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes. Some teeth need a second visit, and a crown or other final restoration usually comes at a later appointment. Back teeth can be harder to treat, so they may take longer. Your dentist can give you a better estimate after looking at your X-ray.
Plan on roughly 60 to 90 minutes for the root canal appointment itself.
Many root canals are finished in one or two visits.
A crown usually needs one or two more appointments after that.
Soreness often settles within about a week.
You have a root canal coming up, or a dentist just brought it up, and you want to know how much of your day it will take. Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, and some teeth need a second visit. Below, you will see what changes the time, what happens in the chair, and when the crown comes in. If a tooth hurts right now, Smyrna Dental Studio in Smyrna, GA can look at it.
How long does a root canal appointment last?
Most root canals take about 60 to 90 minutes, according to Cleveland Clinic. The American Association of Endodontists says each appointment lasts roughly 90 minutes.
What counts toward that time
A visit covers numbing, cleaning out the inside of the tooth, filling it, and sealing the opening. The sources we read do not break the time down by step, so your dentist is the one to estimate it for your tooth.
Why some root canals take longer
The tooth matters. The American Association of Endodontists notes that molars are more difficult to treat than other teeth. How complex the problem is also plays a part. Only a general dentist can tell you which applies to you, after an exam and an X-ray.
Can a root canal be done in one visit?
Yes, many can. MouthHealthy, from the American Dental Association, says a root canal usually takes one or two office visits. Cleveland Clinic says some cases need more than one visit. Your dentist decides after looking at your tooth and tells you what to expect.
What decides one visit or two
The sources we read do not give one set rule. In general, it depends on the tooth and on what your dentist finds once treatment starts. If you need a second visit, the dentist will tell you before you leave.
Want this checked? If you are not sure what is going on with a tooth, book a visit online or call (770) 863-0005, and our team will help find the earliest visit available.
What happens during a root canal, step by step?
A root canal removes the damaged pulp from inside your tooth, cleans the space, fills it, and seals it. The steps below follow Cleveland Clinic's description. Each one adds to the total time, so knowing them helps you plan your day.
The area is numbed with local anesthesia.
A dental dam or cotton keeps the tooth clean and dry.
The dentist makes a small opening in the top of the tooth to reach the pulp.
The infected or inflamed pulp is removed with tiny tools.
The inside of the tooth is cleaned and disinfected.
The empty space is filled with a rubbery dental material.
The opening is sealed with a temporary filling.
A rubber dam or similar cover keeps the tooth isolated while the dentist works. That is normal, and it helps keep the area clean.
How long does the whole process take with a crown?
The root canal is only part of the timeline. Cleveland Clinic says you will likely have two more appointments after it: one to prepare for your crown and one to place it. A dental lab often needs two to three weeks to make a crown, so the full process can stretch over weeks.
Does every root canal tooth need a crown?
Not always. The American Association of Endodontists says back teeth generally need a crown to handle chewing, while front teeth do not always need one. We cover the details in our post on whether you need a crown after a root canal.
Who handles the crown part
Our office offers crowns. Ask the team how your root canal and crown visits would be set up.
How long until you feel normal after a root canal?
Most people recover in less than a week, according to Cleveland Clinic. The tooth and the area around it may feel sensitive for a few days. The American Association of Endodontists says you can eat and drink normally once the numbness wears off, and some dentists suggest waiting a few hours so you do not bite your cheek or tongue. Ask your dentist how to protect the tooth until the final crown is on.
Chewing between the root canal and the crown
Cleveland Clinic advises avoiding biting down on the treated tooth until the final crown is in place. A temporary filling is not as strong as the finished restoration.
Is a root canal worth the time compared with pulling the tooth?
A root canal aims to save your natural tooth by removing the infected pulp. Pulling the tooth is another path, and it can lead to replacing the tooth later. Which one fits you is a decision for you and your dentist after an exam. Our guide to root canal vs. extraction lays out the trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
Does a root canal on a back tooth take longer?
It can. The American Association of Endodontists notes that molars are more difficult to treat than other teeth. That does not mean every molar takes longer than a front tooth. Your dentist can tell you what to expect after looking at your X-ray and checking the tooth.
Will I feel the root canal while it is happening?
You should not feel pain. Your dentist numbs the tooth first. You may feel pressure or movement. Cleveland Clinic says root canals are usually no more painful than getting a filling. We explain more in is a root canal painful.
How long does it take to get a crown after a root canal?
It depends on the crown type and the lab. Cleveland Clinic says it usually takes two to three weeks, sometimes longer, for a dental lab to make a crown. Some offices can make a crown in one visit with in-office technology, but not every tooth qualifies. Ask your dentist which fits you.
Is a root canal better than leaving the tooth alone?
If a tooth is infected or the pulp is damaged, waiting may let the problem grow. The American Association of Endodontists says a root canal removes the infected pulp and aims to save the tooth. A dentist needs to examine the tooth to tell you what is right. Our comparison of a crown and a root canal may also help.
When should I call the dentist after a root canal?
Call the office if pain lasts longer than about a week, or if throbbing pain gets worse after treatment. Cleveland Clinic also says not to wait if you have swelling and pain. If swelling spreads to your eye, face or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever, go to the ER or call 911.
Plan your root canal visit with our team
A root canal takes about an hour to an hour and a half for most people, and the full timeline with a crown is longer. If you have a tooth that hurts, or you were told you may need a root canal, book an exam online or call (770) 863-0005. Our dentists, including Dr. Raheel Thobhani, can examine the tooth and explain your options, including crowns through restorative dentistry. We welcome patients from Smyrna and nearby areas, and our team will help find the earliest visit available. This is general information, not a diagnosis. A dentist needs to examine you to advise on your situation.