How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

Root canals are common endodontic treatments, with dentists performing around 15 million procedures each year. It helps relieve pain and restore dental health by treating an infection in the soft center of the tooth called the pulp.

Let’s discuss how long the procedure would take. We’ll also go into recovery timeline and tips, costs, and what happens during the procedure itself.

How Long Does a Root Canal Take?

The entire root canal process typically takes about 30 to 90 minutes. If you have a root canal on a molar or several roots, it can take more than an hour.

The duration can vary depending on several factors, such as the type of tooth and the severity of the infection. If the infection is extensive and requires time to clear, multiple visits are sometimes required.

In this case, the dentist first cleans the infection and then places a disinfectant medication in the canal. The medication is given time to reduce bacterial numbers between visits, reducing the chances of persistent inflammation and infection.

What is a Root Canal Procedure Like?

Before the procedure begins, your dentist or endodontist will inject a local anesthetic into the gum near the affected tooth. You’ll be awake during the procedure, but you won’t feel any pain.

Once preparations are complete, they’ll move on to the next steps:

1. They’ll place a dental dam made of latex or nitrile square sheet material to act as a barrier, ensuring no bacteria or saliva enters the pulp.
2. They’ll use a highspeed handpiece drill to create a small access hole in the top of the tooth to expose the infected or damaged pulp. 
3. A series of files will be used to remove the pulp.
4. Antiseptic solutions will be used throughout the procedure as the solutions sterilize the pulp chamber and canals.
5. Your dentist may apply a topical antibiotic to the area to kill any remaining bacteria and prevent reinfection.
6. Once the tooth is clean and disinfected, the dentist fills and seals it with a special flexible material called gutta-percha.

What Happens After the Procedure

After the root canal procedure, your mouth may feel sore after the anesthetic wears off. You can relieve pain with over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). Contact your dentist if the pain is extreme or doesn’t ease after a few days.

Your dentist might also give you a dental crown to protect the treated tooth. It can take 2 to 3 weeks to make the crown, but the dentist might prepare the tooth for a crown during your initial appointment.

You can usually resume your normal activities straight away, but it’s best to avoid eating until the numbness has subsided. A few days after the procedure, you’ll have a check-up with your dentist to ensure the infection is gone.

Root Canal Recovery Timeline  

Everyone heals from a root canal at different rates. Some people have discomfort for a week or more, while others may only have minor soreness for a day or two.

Here is what a typical root canal recovery timeline is like:

• Day of procedure — You may experience some discomfort after the procedure as the anesthetic wears off. But, over-the-counter medications should reduce the pain.                                                                                
• Days 1 to 2 — You may still have some mild pain and tenderness in the area. But, this should improve gradually.
• Days 3 to 5 — By now, you should have little to no discomfort and be able to eat and chew with no noticeable problems.
• Days 6 to 10 — Any tenderness and discomfort should have resolved roughly 10 days after the procedure.

If you’re still experiencing significant pain after this time, contact your dentist.

Aftercare Tips for Root Canals

Follow these aftercare tips to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications:

• Avoid eating until the numbness has worn off completely to avoid biting your tongue, cheek, or lips while they’re numb.
• Don’t drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after the procedure, as it can increase bleeding and swelling.
• Don’t chew on hard foods on the affected tooth until you receive the final restoration or crown.  
• Brush and floss your teeth as usual but be careful not to irritate the gums of the treated tooth.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
• Contact your dentist if you develop a fever or the pain worsens.

If you practice good oral hygiene and care for your teeth properly, your restored tooth could last a lifetime.

Signs You May Need a Root Canal

The pulp contains nerves, connective tissues, and blood vessels. If it is injured, inflamed, or infected, your dentist may recommend a root canal. This can happen due to deep tooth decay, a crack or chip in the tooth, or dental trauma.

You may need root canal therapy if you’re experiencing:

• Constant, pulsing toothache
• Spontaneous toothache (continuous or intermittent)
• Pain while chewing or biting
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Abscesses on the gums
• Swollen gums
• Facial swelling
• Darkening of the gums
• Damaged teeth

Sometimes, teeth appear normal with no visible signs of a problem. The top, visible part of the tooth, the crown, might appear perfectly intact even if the pulp is dead. 

Your dentist may need to examine the tooth and take an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis. They can then recommend a root canal because removing the unhealthy pulp is the best way to relieve pain and save the tooth.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost?

The cost of a root canal ranges from $1000 to $1600. However, if you have dental insurance, you can lower the cost to $213 or $640.

Keep in mind there are additional factors that can increase the overall cost. This includes:

• Dental examination — $50 – $200
• X-Rays — $25 – $200
• Root canal therapy — $500 – $2,500
• Anesthesia — $50 – $200
• Post-operative medications — $10 – $50
• Dental Crown (if needed) — $500 – $1,500

Root canals are a common and effective dental procedure. By understanding the process, recovery timeline, and potential costs, you can make informed decisions about your oral health.

If you suspect you may need a root canal, don’t hesitate to consult with your dentist. They can provide a proper diagnosis and discuss the best treatment options for your specific needs.