Need a Root Canal? Here’s How Long the Process Can Take

Have you been told that you’ll need a root canal to save your tooth? Although this treatment is an effective method to preserve your oral health, it does involve sitting in the dentist’s chair for an extended period. But just how long does it take to undergo this procedure? Keep reading to learn the main steps of root canal therapy and why this treatment is worthwhile.

How Long Does a Root Canal Usually Take?

Since every patient’s situation is different, you won’t expect a definitive timeframe for this restorative procedure. In some cases, a root canal can take about 30 minutes to complete whereas other people may require around three hours to finish their appointment. There have also been instances where the treatment needed two visits. Before your dentist can give you an accurate timeframe estimate, they’ll have to consider a variety of factors.

Factors to Consider When Determining a Root Canal Timeframe

When determining how long a root canal will take, your dental team will review the following:

• The kind of tooth needing dental treatment, such as a molar, premolar, incisor, or canine—each of which has a certain number of canals to address
• The severity of the decay and/or damage to the tooth
• The location of the tooth in your mouth

The Root Canal Process

Once they’ve looked over the factors of performing your root canal, you can expect the process to go in a specific order. Firstly, your dentist will provide you with a local anesthetic to numb your mouth before continuing your treatment, that way you’re completely pain-free. They’ll then make a tiny hole in the top of your tooth so that they can clean out and remove any decayed or damaged tissue in the inner layers.

After your dentist has completed this, they’ll rinse and sanitize the inside before filling it with a biocompatible sealer to keep out any harmful bacteria. Finally, they’ll seal the hole and prepare your tooth for a dental crown that will protect and strengthen it. This could take a few weeks to receive, but the results will last many years.

While root canal therapy doesn’t have the same timeframe for every patient, the treatment is an incredibly reliable way to preserve a natural tooth. By undergoing this procedure, you’ll be sure to enjoy a pain-free and healthier smile in the long run!

About the Author

Dr. Marco Caballeros has been providing compassionate and essential dental care for many years. He studied at the Texas A&M Baylor College of Dentistry, is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, and regularly seeks advanced training to remain up-to-date with the latest advancements. If you’d like to know more about root canal therapy or wish to schedule your appointment, visit his website or call him at 469-476-4092.