Have you ever wondered, “How long does a root canal take?”
The quick answer is:
Simple root canals usually require one appointment that lasts 30 to 60 minutes. In more severe cases, the procedure may take 90 minutes or longer. A second appointment may also be required if the dentist recommends a crown or permanent filling for the tooth.
The goal of a root canal is to remove the damaged tooth’s roots while preserving the natural tooth structure. This procedure is required when your soft tissues become infected. Dentist Place performs root canal procedures by carefully removing the damaged tissue and sealing it afterwards. Root canals are a very common procedure. More than 15 million endodontists and dentists perform this procedure every year.
What is the average time it takes to perform a root canal?
One root canal procedure can be completed by the dentist in 30-60 minutes for a single tooth. In any case, you can anticipate spending 90 minutes or so in the dentist’s chair during treatment. The process of removing, cleaning, and disinfecting your nerve takes a considerable amount of time.
There are some teeth that can develop a pulp canal, but not others. Pulp canals also need to be prepared and anaesthetized. Your root canal treatment may take longer than you expect, depending on where your infected tooth is located.
Molars
Your molars are located at the back of your mouth. Your dentist may need to perform a root canal procedure in 90 minutes or longer if you have an infection in your molars. Due to their multiple canals, molars are the most difficult teeth to treat.
The premolars
There are usually one or two canals on your premolars, between your molars and canines. Depending on the anatomy of your tooth, you can expect a root canal to take an hour or even a few minutes longer.
The canine and incisors
Your front teeth are your canines and incisors. As they only have one root, they can be filled and treated most quickly during a root canal. This may still take 45-60 minutes, excluding the time for placing a crown if one is necessary.
You may need to schedule a second appointment with your dentist to place a crown, or a crown placement may take at least another 60 minutes. In most cases, your dentist will recommend waiting a short time after a root canal to ensure your tooth has healed properly before placing a crown.
What is the reason for two visits to a root canal?
- Depending on the condition of the tooth, a second appointment may be necessary for a root canal procedure. During the first appointment, the tooth will be disinfected. It is a time-consuming process that requires concentration and care. After the dentist treats your tooth with temporary antibacterial medication, you will not feel any pain.
- More cleaning is done and sealants are applied to the inside of your tooth during the second phase of root canal treatment. A permanent or temporary filling or crown will then be placed to restore the tooth’s functionality.
Taking care of your mouth after a root canal
If you have had a root canal, you may have to wait 1-2 weeks to have a crown placed. During this time, you should only eat softer foods and rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water. Keeping food debris away from your unprotected tooth will prevent it from being damaged.
Source:
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-a-root-canal-take
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/root-canal-treatment/what-happens/